Shropshire Star

James jumps to the rescue, but all is not what it seems

When James Dowley saw what he feared could be a child floating in Ellesmere mere, he did not hesitate.

Published
James relieved to find a doll in the mere

A father himself, Mr Dowley, from the town, waded into the freezing cold mere, only to find that what he had seen was in fact a lifelike baby doll.

His actions were captured on camera by Mr Dowley's father, Robert, from the promenade.

James Dowley wades in after seeing what he feared could be a child in the mere

Mr Dowley said: "We were driving past the Mere and caught a glimpse of what I hoped was a doll floating. But it looked rather lifelike and myself and my father couldn’t not leave with out confirmation or ringing the emergency services.

"So a quick splash in and out and it was confirmed that it was a large doll. I could not have slept without knowing."

His father's photos, posted on Facebook, received praise from local people and also warnings that going into the cold water can be dangerous.

Mr Dowley said he was amazed that many people just walked past the doll, floating head down in the water.