Disabled man rescued by Wigan firefighters after falling into the canal

Firefighters pulled a man with mobility issues to safety after he slipped and fell into the canal.
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The 53-year-old, who walks with a stick, had been making his way along a section of muddy towpath near to Beech Hill crossroads at about 1pm on Monday September 27 when he lost his footing.

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A passer-by heard his cries for help and police were quickly on the scene where they secured him with a rope.

The canal near to where the accident happenedThe canal near to where the accident happened
The canal near to where the accident happened

But because he seemed to be OK, they left him in the waist-high water for a few extra moments while they waited for a Wigan fire crew to arrive.

Firefighters then put a ladder in the water as they brought the man to safety.

He was uninjured and was taken home in a police patrol car.

Watch manager Gerry Davis said the whole operation took less than 15 minutes.

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