A 12-YEAR-OLD boy was dramatically rescued after falling eight metres into a river.

Emergency services raced to the River Irwell, near Mytham Road in Little Lever, yesterday evening to try to get the youngster out of the water safely.

He is believed to have been playing near the water’s edge when he fell into the river below at around 5pm.

Firefighters, paramedics and the police were called to the scene at around 5.30pm Rescuers worked their way down to the water and were able to help the boy to safety.

He is believed to have suffered a broken arm and was able to walk back up the riverbank where he was placed on a spinal board to be assessed by paramedics before being taken by ambulance to hospital with family members in attendance.

There was a large emergency service presence in the area with reports of as many as six fire engines, four ambulances and a number of police cars at the scene.

One passer-by, who did not wish to be named: “I saw the fire engines and ambulances when I was walking past.

“It is shocking to see this. I just hope the boy is going to be okay.”

Emergency services then left the scene at around 7.15pm.

The fire service urged people to stay safe near open water.

Station manager Paul Sumner said: “This incident is a timely reminder to warn the public of staying safe around water especially as the weather warms up.

“Please never enter rivers, open water or anywhere that doesn’t have a lifeguard present and be careful if your children are playing near open water.

“You can never be certain of the depth of the water, it is a lot colder than you expect and you can easily be swept away.

“Please only swim or enter water somewhere safe, such as a swimming pool, but if you do see someone in an emergency, ring 999 and clearly explain where you are.”

Fire crews from Farnworth, Bolton Central and Eccles all attended along with the technical response unit from Leigh and the water incident unit from Eccles.