A DOG that got into difficulty whilst swimming in the Thames at Thamesmead sparked a rescue operation yesterday (JULY 8) evening.

The dog’s owner dialled 999 to speak with the London Coastguard at around 6.30pm.

Gravesend’s RNLI lifeboat was scrambled to the scene after the lady threatened to wade into the water herself to rescue her beloved pooch, which was being swept away by a strong current.

The dog eventually returned to shore and the lifeboat was stood down when it reached the Erith area en-route.

A London Coastguard spokeswoman said: “More often than not the dog makes it ashore.

“We always recommend owners phone the coastguard and not go in themselves.”