THIS is the moment an animal-lover saved the life of a drowning dog by jumping into a freezing lake on Friday.

The man, whose identity is not known, was walking his dog near Sheen Gate when he heard the cries of a young woman whose pet had ventured on to the ice of Adam's Lake in the Richmond Park.

The tiny dog had plunged through the frozen surface and was struggling to swim in the icy water when the rescuer stripped off and waded into the middle of the lake to save the animal.

Student Esther van Egmond captured the rescue on camera as she was walking through the park to Roehampton University.

The 28-year-old, who is studying art therapy, said: "I saw this tiny thing walk out on to the ice. His owner started screaming and he broke through the ice. He was struggling and couldn't get out.

"The owner, who was a young woman, was really panicking, and screaming 'He's going to die'.

"Another man who was walking his own dog just walked over and shed his clothes down to his underwear and waded into the water. He gave the dog back to the owner.

"It was such a brave act as it was so cold. It must have been minus two or three degrees."

East Sheen resident Esther took a snap of the man and contacted the Informer as she believes his bravery deserves recognition.

She added: "The owner, who I think is from East Sheen, offered him a lift home, a hot drink and some money as a reward, but he didn't accept anything. He just took his clothes and left.

"I know that this was just an animal but it was such a good thing to do. It probably would have died otherwise. If more people were to think like that the world would be a better place."

* Do you know the mystery man? Email rupertbasham@trinitysouth.co.uk.