A FULL scale emergency rescue was launched following reports of someone in the Mersey but turned out to be a false alarm.

Fire crews, ambulance and police were called to the scene next to Mr Smiths nightclub after a person was supposedly spotted in the river at 11.48am.

Witnesses reported seeing someone waving or possibly swimming, police say.

A boat was launched and the search was helped by the Cheshire Police helicopter.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said the report was a false alarm with good intent.

The crews were stood down at 2pm.

A Cheshire Police spokesman said: "After a two and a half hour search, the officers were stood down.

"We believe the report was genuine and that the caller had spotted someone in the water. He was reassured that he had done the right thing contacting the police.


"Anyone with any information is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident 337 of November 15."
 

Watch a video from the scene below.