In pictures: Dutch horse rescue

An attempt to rescue about 100 horses stranded on a stretch of flooded land has gripped the Netherlands.

The animals were trapped for three days after storms struck the area around Marrum, 145km (90 miles) north-east of Amsterdam.

Nineteen horses drowned before help arrived.

The nearest land was only a few hundred metres away but there were fears that submerged barbed wire might hurt the horses if they tried to swim to safety.

Animal welfare officers and firefighters waded through the waters to map out an escape route.

Four women on horseback then led the herd about 600 metres to safety.

The one horse that failed to follow the herd was eventually brought to safety, but collapsed and needed attention from veterinarians.

A complaint has been lodged against the horses' owners for allegedly failing to heed storm warnings.

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