Huge emergency services presence as crews scour river after people 'enter water'

14 February 2023 , 23:58

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A large emergency services presence is seen near Irwell in Salford (Image: ASP)

A major search is taking place at a river in Manchester following reports that there are people in the water.

Fire crews and police rushed to the scene at the River Irwell, in Salford on Tuesday night.

Witnesses have reported seeing a police helicopter as well as drones also flying overhead.

Footage online appears to show rescue personnel also using torches to search the grounds close by to the river.

The fire service confirmed they were called to initial reports of "people in the water".

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Emergency services have been combing the water and the land nearby (ASP)

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: "Just after 10pm on Tuesday, February 14, fire crews were called to assist with an incident near Peel Park in Salford following a report of people entering the nearby river.

"Three fire engines from Phillips Park, Broughton and Eccles, as well as the water unit from Eccles and the technical rescue unit from Ashton, quickly attended the incident.

"Firefighters remain at the scene alongside colleagues from Greater Manchester Police."

Witnesses have reported seeing a police helicopter as well as drones also flying overhead

There are unconfirmed reports of a "police chase" this evening leading up to reports of a person in the water.

Emergency services were called out to Meadow Road, beside the River Irwell at around 10pm.

A motorbike has also been pictured at the scene. It is unclear if this is linked.

A witness told the Manchester Evening News: "There seems to be a large police presence as well as potential rescue people as there are a lot of searches going on along edge of the river and beyond.

"They are searching with torches all along the river, looking in river and surrounding areas."

Many people have also taken to social media and uploaded images.

One person wrote: "What is going on in the River Irwell?"

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Another said: "Someone is in the water," and a further responded saying they "hope they are safe".

Abigail O'Leary