Hero rescued girl from river

A toddler who fell into a river at a Midlands beauty spot was saved by a passer-by who dived in to help her.

The girl, believed to be about two-years-old, was rescued by the man after she fell into the River Severn in Bewdley, yesterday afternoon.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said it happened at about 4.40pm outside the Cock and Magpie pub. It is thought the man, believed to be in his late 20s, had been in the pub before he jumped in and saved the girl. The spokesman praised his actions and said he had saved her from "serious or even fatal injuries".

He said: "The child was already out of the water and was treated at the scene for minor grazes and the effects of being in cold water.

"She was transferred to Worcester Royal Hospital by ambulance with her parents who were at the scene, for further assessment and treatment.

"The man who bravely rescued the child, believed to be in his late 20s, had unfortunately suffered a suspected fractured ankle during the rescue and was stabilised at the scene.

"He was also transferred to Worcester Royal Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

"The man who rescued the child must be praised for his actions, he undoubtedly saved her from more serious or even fatal injuries."

Today residents along the riverfront also praised the man's bravery and said he had jumped into the water without a second thought for his own safety.

Julie Deeming said: "It looked as though the girl had tripped. We just heard a splash into the water and then suddenly this man seemed to come from nowhere, vaulted the railings and jumped into the water.

"It looked he had hurt his leg but he still grabbed onto the the girl. Because he was hurt he couldn't get her out of the water on his own but two other men came down and he handed her to them.

"She didn't look to be badly hurt just shocked. It looked like she had grazes on her face and some bruises."