Dad saves OAP from frozen canal after spotting dog left alone

A hero dad rescued an OAP who fell into a freezing canal after spotting his devoted dog sitting nearby.

Gregor Angus, 39, was walking with his son Lucas, aged four, along the Union Canal in Linlithgow, West Lothian on January 31.

They recognised dogwalker Brian Watson, 81, who was out for a walk with his black Labrador, named Hugo, just before 5pm.

As they circled back on themselves, Gregor noticed the black Lab was sitting by himself by the side of the water near Friars Brae Bridge.

When he looked closer, senior business development manager Gregor was shocked to see the pensioner lying face-down in water and appearing to be lifeless.

He attempted to drag Brian from the freezing water but the pensioner’s clothes were waterlogged and Gregor yelled for help.

The OAP was rushed to hospital but has made a full recovery.

Dad-of-two Gregor said: “When we were walking back, I spotted his dog sitting by itself which I thought was a bit strange.

“When we got closer, I noticed what turned out to be Brian lying in the water.

“He was lying face down in the water and was completely lifeless.”

Lucas held onto the dog’s lead while his dad tried to drag the pensioner to safety.

Gregor added: “From the edge of the water I was able to grab onto his jacket and haul him out without having to go in.

“I screamed for help, there were people about 100 yards away who rushed over.

“He was wearing a jacket and winter clothes, I needed help to pull him out.

“It was a team effort, I’m thankful for the other people who were there to help.

“I think his body went into shock with the cold, he didn’t cough up water when we got him out from the canal.”

Passerby attempted to keep Brian warm by lending him their coats while an ambulance rushed to the scene.

Gregor, from Linlithgow, added: “His daughter phoned that evening, she was very grateful.

“They were able to get his temperature back to normal at hospital.

“Fortunately Brian is OK.”

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