Multiple emergency crews rescue woman from the River Avon in the Fairfields area of Christchurch

MULTIPLE emergency crews rushed to rescue a woman who ended up in a Christchurch river last night (Sunday).

The alarm was raised around 6.45pm, with police responding to concerns for the welfare of a woman believed to be in the town.

Searches by officers resulted in her being found in the River Avon, near Avon Buildings in the Fairfield area, around 7.30pm.

Coastguard rescue teams from Poole and Southbourne then responded to a call-out following this discovery, along with the Lee-on-Solent-based helicopter.

They were joined by an inshore lifeboat from Mudeford RNLI and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Services.

Two local fire crews and a technical rescue team from Poole, along with a mix of wading specialists and water rescue specialists, went into the water and brought the casualty ashore.

She was then transferred to a waiting ambulance by around 8.15pm, but no further details of her condition were available.

A Dorset Police spokesperson said: “We received a report at 6.43pm on Sunday 29th October 2023 raising concern for the welfare of a woman who was believed to be in the Christchurch area.

“Officers attended and carried out searches. The woman was located in the water in the River Avon in the Fairfield area at around 7.30pm.

“With assistance from the fire service, the woman was taken to safety and was given appropriate care.”

Onlookers took to Facebook to praise those who carried out the rescue.

One wrote: “Emergency crews were fantastic and rescued the lady who has gone to hospital.

“Let’s all keep our fingers crossed and pray she’ll recover.”