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Cow stuck in tunnel gets rescued by firefighters

News imageBedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service A female cow is being pulled from the river after getting stuck in a tunnel. The water is calm, with reeds and vegetation visible on the opposite side. Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
Fire service crews from Bedford, Kempston, Biggleswade and two from Northamptonshire were involved in the rescue

A cow that became trapped in a water-filled tunnel underneath the A1 has been rescued by firefighters.

Crews were called to the culvert in Mill Lane, Sandy, Bedfordshire, at 14:26 BST on Wednesday.

The female was brought back on to dry land via a bank on the River Ivel from the 21m-long (68 ft) drainage tunnel, which is situated below the river's bridle path, said Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Animal rescue specialists from both Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire helped in the operation, which took about two-and-a-half hours.

News imageBedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service A cow is stuck in a tunnel with shallow water flowing along the bottom. The far opening is brightly illuminated, showing green vegetation outside.Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
Firefighters said the rescue was challenging

The fire service said the cow was "very calm" after being moved out of the tunnel.

Once on the riverbank, the animal trotted off to return to its herd.

"It was a fantastic example of teamwork in action during this week's hot weather," the service added.

News imageBedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service A brown cow is standing partially submerged in shallow water near the bank. The cow has a blue rope around its neck. Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
The cow was led up on to a bank on the River Ivel
News imageBedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service A large brown cow is standing on dry grass beside a waterway. The cow has been brought out of the water and is now on level ground near a wooden fence. Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
People were warned to avoid the area while the cow was pulled from the river

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