Helicopter rescue of woman in mud

A police helicopter crew rescued a woman stuck up to her neck in mud in the River Nene in Cambridgeshire.

The woman was stuck in water near Crab Marsh, Wisbech, and telephoned her family who called emergency services.

Ambulance crews, the fire service, Spartan Rescue water search company and port harbour staff were unable to find the woman on the ground.

The helicopter used its infra-red technology to find the woman who was taken to hospital for treatment.

Police said when the helicopter located the woman on Tuesday night, only her head was visible above the rising water.

'Swift actions'

The crew landed on the bank next to the woman, threw her a rope and pulled her free.

Ch Supt Andy Hebb said: "I'm sure the two officers and pilot who conducted this rescue would say they are only doing their job, but this was police work at its best.

"With the tide rising fast, without the swift actions of the helicopter crew using their overhead view to full advantage, we would not now be talking about a successful rescue, but an unfortunate tragedy.

"These officers should be very proud of their actions."