Rescue operation launched after man and his dog fall down ravine

Firefighters and mountain rescue volunteers launched a rescue operation after a man and his dog fell down a ravine.

They were called out at 4.49pm to the incident in Pickering after a member of the public had seen the incident.

It was initially thought they were 15ft down.

Crews sent to the location included one equipped with animal rescue equipment.

On arrival the man had managed to return to the path.

A North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We believe he had left the path initially to rescue the dog, and we were thankful he was safe and well.

“But, we still had a dog, now known to be actually 50 feet down the ravine, not the 15 we initially thought.

“An assessment of the scene was carried out and it was deemed we would require the help of our fantastic colleagues at Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue Team.

“We are pleased to say, just before 8pm Roxy, a two-year-old Patterdale Terrier, was brought to safety.

“It is believed she had got distracted by a squirrel on her walk which led to the fall.”

This happened just hours before the service was on high alert for Bonfire Night. Happily there were no major issues caused by the fireworks last night.