EMERGENCY services trying to free a dolphin stuck in a Hampshire river have been forced to put the animal down.

Firefighters and animal welfare experts were attempting to rescue the animal from shallow water in Fareham Creek.

It is unknown how long the dolphin had been stuck, but it was found struggling by a kayaker.

Fareham firefighters joined the British Divers Marine Life Rescue team in attempting to help the dolphin on the scene at around 5.15pm.

The crew helped provide access to the water for the rescue but despite the teams’ efforts, the animal had to be euthanised by a vet and the crews assisted with the retrieval of the dolphin.