Search continues for missing dog after dramatic river rescue
A search is ongoing for a four-year-old mixed-breed dog, Bonnie, who was swept away after jumping into an unusually high River Arrow to retrieve a stick at Arrow Valley Country Park in Redditch, Worcestershire.
Her owner, AJ Abrar, entered the fast-flowing water to try to save her. Emergency services later rescued Mr Abrar after he managed to cling to a large log but was forced to release the dog to avoid being swept under and drowning.
"We're going to go look for a body, or anything, whatever we can find, and start searching until we can bring her home," Mr Abrar said. "She was an amazing dog — she was a TikTok star."
Heavy rain from Storm Claudia has produced multiple flood alerts across the West Midlands, with rivers running higher than usual and an amber weather warning in force. Additional rain on Friday compounded the situation.
Impact and local response
The wet weather has caused disruption across the region: rail services between Birmingham New Street and Worcester or Hereford have been suspended by West Midlands Railway, and several services on the Cross City Line are operating at reduced frequency. Seven schools in Herefordshire were closed and road closures are in place at locations expected to flood.
Local authorities have strengthened flood defences along the River Wye in Hereford and are installing pumps in Worcester. Defences are already in place at Beales Corner and Severnside in Bewdley, and Hylton Road in Worcester is scheduled to close to allow pumps to be deployed.
The Met Office warned of fast-flowing or deep floodwater that could pose a danger to life and advised people not to drive through standing water. Herefordshire Council and Worcestershire County Council are coordinating with the Met Office and the Environment Agency and have deployed extra staff and volunteer teams, including Herefordshire's 4x4 response volunteers, who remain on standby.
Search efforts
Local volunteers and emergency crews continued searching on Friday and planned further searches across the weekend. Those involved said they were trying to remain hopeful while stressing the dangers of entering flooded rivers.
Authorities remind the public to obey road-closed signs and to avoid driving through floodwater, which can endanger lives and damage nearby properties.
Community groups and councils continue coordinating flood-response and safety measures as Storm Claudia brings more heavy rain to the region.
