FIREFIGHTERS have been practising mud rescues at the Hythe, in Colchester, due to the rising number of people falling in.

Nobody has died, but the number of incidents has increased, according to Colchester's lifesavers.

One firefighter, who asked not to be named, said: “It is mainly because of the flats and the students, but all sorts of people fall in.

“It happens all the time.

Only some of them are reported, but it could be very serious.”

Colchester crews took part in the practice sessions.

Human and dog dummies were dropped in the middle of the muddy River Colne and teams practised using rescue paths to make sure those trying to rescue them did not get stuck themselves.

With a smaller marine unit at Essex Police due to spending cuts, the role of the fire and rescue service when it comes to mud rescues has increased.

Among recent rescues was of a young female student, who got stuck up to her chest and was sinking and screaming for help. Fortunately, residents in houseboats heard and helped while she drifted in and out of consciousness.

She was eventually pulled out with the support of firefighters and police.