Two people saved from River Avon in Chippenham

Two people were rescued by Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service from the River Avon in Chippenham last night. 

It is reported a woman was walking from the town centre towards the Blue Bridge at around 9pm, Monday, 11, March 2013 when she slipped and fell into the water. She was unable to climb out of the river due to muddy embankments. 

A man called 999 and jumped into the water to try and help the woman.

Fire fighters from Chippenham and Corsham were called to the scene by South Western Ambulance Service at 9:04pm. A full search of the river had to be carried out after the location of the man and the woman was wrong. 

Both people were located close to the pitch and putt course where a specialist water rescue team from Chippenham Fire Station helped bring the man and the woman to safety.

Darren Nixon, Station Manager at Chippenham Fire Station said: "We think the two people were in the water for 20-25 minutes and they were extremely lucky that they were found when they were."

"All three emergency services worked together very well to locate the casualties and police officers and a couple of fire fighters held onto the pair until the specialist water rescue crew could enter the water and bring them to safety."

"The path is unlit and not properly surfaced, so we would urge people to think twice about using it at night. We would also remind people that if you see someone fall into the river, don't try and carry out a rescue yourself unless you know it's safe to do so and not putting yourself at risk."

Both the man and the woman have been reported to being treated for hypothermia. One of the casualties was taken to the Royal United Hospital, Bath and the other was taken the Great Western Hospital in Swindon.