'Superdog' survives accidental swim through Thames Barrier

A “superdog” survived an accidental swim through the Thames Barrier after jumping into the river in pursuit of a fox.

Russell the Jack Russell was left barely able to stand from exhaustion after plunging into the water near Charlton, south-east London and powering his way through the flood defence.

The two-year-old canine was rescued by Port of London Authority officers Guy Underwood and Kevin Reynolds, who were alerted by a stunned bystander shouting and gesturing at the dog.

The pair sprang into action and launched the PLA’s small work boat Dory, before lifting the dog, which had swam a kilometre or more, to safety.

Mr Underwood said: “We got to work thinking a person had fallen in and had no idea it was a dog. How he was able to get through the barrier and so far to the other side of the river – I have no idea.

“I dare say most humans wouldn’t have got that far. He’s a bit of a superdog.”

The dog’s owner John Pedro, who works at a skip hire firm about half a mile from the Thames Barrier and named the dog after TV comic Russell Howard said he was “overjoyed” to have his dog back in one piece.

He said: “We were so worried about him. He must’ve been after a fox when he fell in the water – he hates foxes with a passion.