A JACK Russell dog was rescued by the coastguard in the River Clyde near Erskine. 

The pet was retrieved from the water using a method known as a snatch rescue by the Greenock Coastguard Rescue Team on Sunday.

The 999 service said they were told by a member of the public that a man and the dog were in the water.

Once they arrived at the scene, the man had got out of the river and the coastguard rescued the pet.

The coastguard warned other pet owners not to enter the water.

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A spokesman for the Greenock Coastguard Rescue Team said: "Whilst on patrol in the Erskine area, a member of the public ran to our senior officer, S04C, and our station officer to make them aware of a person and dog in the water.

"Once at the scene of the incident, the male had self recovered to shore. He was stopped from re-entering the water. S04C then entered the water to perform a "snatch rescue" of the small Jack Russell.

"We understand that dogs are members of the family, but please, do not enter the water to retrieve them. Dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.

"This part of the River Clyde is very busy with marine activity, the water is cold and there are many hidden dangers.

"We're glad to inform that both the dog and owner are absolutely fine.

"Many thanks to the individual who initially reported the incident to us."