Couple rescued from rising tide

A couple from Glasgow have been airlifted to safety after being cut off by the tide while trying to cross the Holy Island causeway in Northumberland.

Humber Coastguard received a 999 call just after 1300 BST.

The couple, both 60, had started to drive across the causeway, but became trapped and were unable to reach a refuge hut due to the man's ill health.

Rescue teams and a helicopter were scrambled. The couple were winched from their car and were uninjured.

The couple had managed to ring the emergency services from their car.

Humber Coastguard watch manager Mike Green said: "The couple started to drive across the causeway, despite signs giving information about the causeway and the fact that it is closed at high tide.

"The signs, which are at both ends of the causeway are there for a reason: to stop people from getting cut off by the tide.

"Every year countless tourists are cut off on the causeway because they do not take the tides into consideration. Please read the signs and heed their advice."

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