A WOMAN was rescued after she was found collapsed on a river embankment in the darkness.

Police were called to Churchgate in Bolton at around 10.50pm on Thursday to reports of a woman in distress.

The 35-year-old, who raised the alarm herself, was found on the embankment of the River Croal close to Churchgate and the pathway under St Peter’s Way.

Firefighters said had fallen down a steep embankment. They reached the scene at 11.10pm and were joined by a firefighters' boat rescue team that came from Eccles to help rescue the woman. She was carried by paramedics to a waiting ambulance by stretcher. It is not believed she had been in the water.

The woman was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital, in Minerva Road, Farnworth, where she was supported by specialist trained officers.

A spokesman from the fire service said: “Two fire engines from Bolton, two technical rescue and major rescue units from Leigh and the water incident unit from Eccles were mobilised.

“The person had fallen down a steep embankment at the side of the river. The boat crew were positioned downstream while firefighters rescued the person from the embankment by using a stretcher. Firefighters remained at the incident for 35 minutes.”

A spokesman from North West Ambulance Service confirmed that paramedics were called to reports of a woman collapsing close to the subway under St Peter’s Way at around 10.41pm.

There was no information on the extent of her injuries.

Police confirmed that initially they responded to reports of a rape, but officers have since established that was false.

Officers are working to ensure the woman continues to receive support.