Firefighters rush to save person in the River Irwell

Last night, firefighters swam into the River Irwell to rescue a person in the water.

At around 8pm emergency services descended onto the waterfront at Ordsal Lane after reports of a person falling into the river.

Firefighters, police and paramedics were all called out to attend the incident as a helicopter circled above the area. Crews then entered the water to pull the person to safety.

The person received medical assistance at the scene before being rushed to hospital.

The incident happened outside the Dock5 apartments on Ordsal Lane, where neighbours watched the scene unfold from their windows above.

One resident from the apartment, Rebecca Palmer,  commented:  “I heard some noise but ignored it, then heard the sirens coming outside and that’s when I looked and could see runners and police shining torches in the water.

“As time went on more police came and eventually I heard people shout ‘they’ve got him!’.”

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “At shortly before 8pm today (Thursday, February 15), fire crews were called to Woden Street, in Salford following reports of a person in the water. Working alongside Greater Manchester Police, two fire engines from Salford fire station along with the Technical Response Unit from Ashton and the Water Incident Unit from Heywood quickly attended the scene.

“Crews worked to assist the person from the water before they were assessed by North West Ambulance Service and conveyed to hospital. Firefighters were in attendance for approximately one hour.”