A WARNING has been made to dog owners after a beloved family pet got trapped under ice and drowned.

Mark McMullan was walking in South Park, in Darlington, with his children and dog Maisie when the cockapoo rolled into the pond.

The incident happened on Thursday when they were taking their usual walk.

Mr McMullan, who said the family was "devastated" by the incident, said: "Maisie was enjoying rolling around in the snow and unfortunately rolled into the pond and got trapped under the ice.

"She swam towards the centre and despite my best efforts smashing my way through the ice, I was too late in reaching her and she drowned."

The Northern Echo:

He is now warning other dog users to be careful when exercising their pets near frozen water.

He added: "We are absolutely devastated but it shows how easy it is for an accident to happen."