A WOMAN was rescued from the Mersey by firefighters this afternoon.

Emergency services rushed to the area around Riverside Close in Howley shortly after 4.45pm today, Friday, after receiving reports of a person in the river.

Police, paramedics and four fire engines attended the scene.

A water rescue team managed to rescue the casualty, who was taken to hospital as a precaution.

It is believed that she had fallen into the river while attempting to rescue her dog, who was out of the water upon the arrival of the emergency services.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s spokesman said: “At 4.50pm, firefighters were called to reports of a person being in the Mersey near Riverside Close.

“On arrival, crews discovered that a woman had fallen into the river while attempting to rescue her dog.

“A swift water rescue team got the woman out of the river.

“She was then handed over to the care of paramedics to be checked over.

“The dog was out of the water when crews arrived at the scene.

“Firefighters were in attendance for around half-an-hour.”