A MAN had to be pulled to safety from a well following an unusual accident.

Fire crews from West Mersea, Colchester, Chelmsford, as well as Essex County Fire and Rescue Service's urban search and rescue team were called to Victory Road, West Mersea, shortly after 1pm today.

It took firefighters just over an hour to rescue the man using ropes.

Gazette: Rescue operation - A man was pulled from a well using ropesRescue operation - A man was pulled from a well using ropes (Image: ECFRS)

An Essex County Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "Firefighters rescued an elderly man from a well in West Mersea today. 

"Crews were called to Victory Road, West Mersea, at 1pm after the man became trapped 5 feet inside the well when repairing it. 

"Firefighters worked together to rescue the man using ropes by 2.06pm. 

"The man was left in the care of the Ambulance Service."