Hero police diver adopts stray puppy after smashing through frozen lake to rescue her

A hero police diver smashed through ice on a frozen lake to rescue a stray puppy and has since adopted the animal.

Officer Burak Okten swam 150 metres across the Bostanici Goleti lake in Turkey to rescue the puppy from the freezing water.

He smashed through the ice with his bare arms to reach the dog and carried it to shore.

Dramatic video shows him hitting the ice and then cradling the puppy in his arms as he brings it to safety.

Mr Okten, who was hailed for his bravery, said: “It was hard to reach the dog. It was a tough swim but well worth it as I am happy to save the animal.”

The puppy was clinging to life when it was rescued but made a swift recovery over the next two days.

After announcing his decision to adopt the dog, he said: “We had very little hope when she got out of the water. I didn’t expect her to survive.”

The lake is near to a waterfront apartment complex and high school. The dog received CPR and was taken to an animal shelter to recover in intensive care.