Emergency services crews were called to the river in Rickerby Park today after walkers spotted the submerged vehicle and several dead sheep nearby.

Police divers were due check the Land Rover at around 12.30pm today to check whether anybody has been trapped under or in it.

As paramedics waited on standby, firefighters this morning stabilised the vehicle and then checked the river for any signs of a casualty.

The Land Rover was spotted near Stanwix Bank at 7.50am.

Firefighters were also trying to remove the bodies of the dead sheep.

Another sheep was found so seriously injured that it may have to be put down, said a police spokeswoman.

Officers believe that the animals had been killed by the Land Rover as it drove through Rickerby Park, before being possibly pushed into the water.

The Coastguard was called to the scene and a boat was launched just before 9am as the operation continued.

Let’s just hope that if the vehicle was stolen, that the miscreants are still inside it.