Police officers have been praised for their swift actions after a dramatic river rescue was launched to save the lives of two men who had earlier been seen in Lancaster city centre in an altercation.
The rescue began after an officer on patrol heard splashing sounds coming from the River Lune, next to Skerton Bridge, in Lancaster on Friday evening.
Two men, aged 18 and 20, could be seen in the water, calling for help but dense fog and the speed of the river made it difficult to keep track of them, and as they passed under the bridge, one disappeared from view.
A lifeline was thrown to one of the men and he was then pulled to safety by officers. The fire service, coast guard and mountain rescued then joined in the search for the second man. A cordon was maintained around the bridge, and another one was set up at Millennium Bridge, with the coast guard using a hover craft to search the water.
The second man was found shortly before 10pm, having got out of the water by himself and both men were taken to Royal Lancaster Infirmary for treatment.
It later became apparent that the men, both from Lancaster, had been involved in an earlier altercation in the city.
The 18-year-old was arrested on suspicion of ABH and criminal damage while the 20-year-old was arrested on suspicion of assault, possession of a weapon and criminal damage. Both have been released on police bail until 16th February.
Inspector Jim Edmonds, Lancaster Police, said: “This incident involved great team work by all officers involved, with the assistance of the fire service, mountain rescue and the coast guard. Their swift and professional actions helped to avoid a potentially fatal incident.”