A small dog was trapped three metres beneath a river wall, near Kew Gardens, before being rescued by an RNLI lifeboat crew on Monday.

Pepper, a Tibetan terrier, was trapped three metres below a river wall as his distraught owner tried to reach him.

The dog, who had slipped off the edge of the path and into the Thames, had managed to climb out of the water and up a concrete slope before becoming stuck.

Chiswick's RNLI crew was making its way past Kew Gardens at 11.45am when a crew member spotted the dog stuck on the river wall.

Pepper was rescued quickly and was lifted to safety on board the lifeboat, before he was reunited with his owner.

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Pepper with RNLI crew members Charlie Batterbee and Lee Phillips

RNLI helmsman Glen Monroe said: "It was very fortunate that we were passing by, as Pepper was unable to save himself and the owner had no way of reaching him.

"We carry out a number of dog rescues each year as we are always concerned that the owners may try to enter the river to retrieve their dogs, often putting themselves at more at risk than their pets."

Pepper's owner Jan Rushton added: "I’m sure Pepper would have fallen back in to the water and not been able to make it out if the crew hadn't come to help when they did.

"Thank you to the RNLI for saving my dog."

The RNLI advises pet owners to never attempt to follow an animal into the water, recommending owners find a safe place on the bank to call the dog back.

Dogs should be kept on a lead, particularly when close to fast-flowing rivers, and if your pet is in danger, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.