A PET dog drowned after falling through ice near Selkirk last week.

Fire crews attempted to save the animal at the Pot Loch on Wednesday morning.

But they couldn't reach the pet before it succumb to the cold.

Steve Gourlay is the Local Senior Officer for Midlothian, East Lothian and the Scottish Borders.

He said: "Our crew of firefighters worked through challenging conditions to reach the dog but, despite their very best efforts, it very sadly passed away and our thoughts are with those affected."

A 999 call was made to the emergency services just after 9.30am.

The Border Telegraph received claims that the rescue was hampered because the nearest water rescue team, based at Galashiels, weren't able to attend as one of their team was on a training course.

But the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has denied that delays played any part in the dog's death after a rescue crew from Hawick were mobilised.

Mr Gourlay added: "Our communities within the Scottish Borders are equipped with water rescue capabilities in the form of two specialist crews based at Galashiels and Hawick in addition to other crews across Scotland.

"Firefighters used throwbags and made their way across the water to the dog but sadly it passed away at the scene.

"The swift water rescue team from Galashiels was not available to attend the incident due to ongoing training but the Hawick water rescue team was mobilised along with other relevant available assets.

"We will continue to work hard to support members of the public to stay safe around water ways, and particularly so during winter."