River plunge woman saved (From Gazette & Herald)

River plunge woman saved

FIREFIGHTERS rescued a woman who plunged into the River Derwent at Malton.

The local woman, believed to be in her mid-30s, was dragged about 150 yards downstream in the river's icy waters during the drama.

Fire crews combed the area and plucked her out about 25 minutes later.

She had been clinging to a branch, and police said today she was "lucky" to have survived.

Paramedics confirmed she was taken to York Hospital "wet and very cold, but not seriously injured".

The rescue happened near the Railway Street bridge at about 7.30pm on Saturday after a passer-by near Malton Bus Station called the police.

Firefighters said the woman was reported to have jumped from the bridge.

Sgt Jeremy Wilkinson, of North Yorkshire Police, confirmed yesterday that officers were not investigating any offences in relation to the incident.

"There's no evidence this woman was assaulted or pushed in."

Sgt Wilkinson added: "The river is pretty high at the moment and flowing rapidly. She was lucky to be pulled out."

Fire crews used rescue lines and life jackets in the operation.

Updated: 11:35 Monday, January 12, 2004