A MAN has been pulled out of the river in Durham.

Emergency services were called to Framwelgate Waterside, in Durham, at about 2.30pm today to reports that a man had fallen into the River Wear, close to the Radisson Hotel.

Firefighter David Tempest, Durham watch manager, praised some quick-thinking workmen, who were on the scene helped stop the man from being swept down the river, which was in full flow.

Mr Tempest said: “It was the swift action of the workmen who stopped him from being swept down the river.

“One of them had a rope which prevented him from being washed away.”

The man, who is in his thirties, is thought to be have been suffering from the cold and was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham after received first aid at the scene.

Mr Tempest said: “When we got there we pulled him up the embankment and gave him some first aid.

“He was suffering from extreme cold and was taken to hospital.”

He added: “The river wasn’t as high as it has been over the last few days but it was still in full flow.”

A police spokesperson said: “We were called at 2.30pm today to Durham city centre where a man was reported as having fallen into the River Wear close to the Radisson Hotel.

“A crowd of people gathered on the riverbanks and several members of the public attempted to reach him to bring him to safety.

“After several minutes, the man reached the riverbank and was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham by ambulance.”