Constabulary's Drone Unit assist in rescuing man from River Weaver

An 85-year-old man was rescued from the River Weaver in Winsford thanks to the quick actions of Cheshire Constabulary’s Drone Unit.

At 2.13pm on Tuesday 16th December, police were called to reports of a person in the River Weaver.

Officers, along with colleagues from Cheshire Fire, plus paramedics, immediately attended the scene and tried to locate the individual in the fast-flowing water.

Due to the urgency of the situation, PC Andrew Walker and PC Sarah Brockley from Cheshire Constabulary’s Drone Unit jumped into action and lifted a drone to aid officers and firefighters on the ground in locating the person.

Thanks to the thermal imaging camera on the drone, operators were able to locate an 85-year-old local man in the river, clinging to a tree. This was communicated to firefighters who rescued the man and brought him to safety before passing him to the care of paramedics.

The man remains in hospital currently as a precaution but has not suffered any serious injuries.

Inspector Paul Heatley, of Northwich LPU, said:

“This was an urgent situation and officers immediately deployed to the scene. Due to the fast-flowing water, we needed eyes in the sky to be able to assess the exact location of the man.

“The Drone Unit’s help was absolutely vital in finding him and there is strong probability that their expertise saved his life.

“I would like to thank them for their assistance in this incident, as well as the officers who attended the scene and our colleagues from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and North West Ambulance Service.”

Constable Andrew Walker, of the Drone Unit, said:

“Our unit uses modern drone technology to assist with many types of incidents in the force and as this particular incident demonstrates, it can be extremely useful in locating people when it’s difficult for those on the ground.

“The unit plays a vital role in supporting officers and staff, helping to keep the communities of Cheshire safe.

“We wish the man a speedy recovery after this ordeal.”

Watch video footage of the rescue here...