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Quick-thinking locals rescue child who got into difficulties while canoeing on Tandragee river

Air Ambulance was tasked to the scene along with police and fire crews with the boy taken to hospital as a precaution

Air Ambulance

Air Ambulance was tasked to the scene of an incident in Tandragee when a child experienced difficulties whilst canoeing.

The incident happened in the Glebe Hill Manor area of the town shortly before lunchtime today (Sunday).

The boy has been taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.

Emergency services sprang into action after reports of the drama unfolding.

But thanks to local members of the community the child had been taken to safety by the time they arrived.

Police, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and NI Air Ambulance all attended.

A PSNI spokesperson told Armagh I : “Police received a report of concern for the safety of a child who got into difficulty whilst canoeing in a river in the Glebe Hill Manor area of Tandragee this afternoon.

“Emergency services including police and NIFRS responded; when they arrived at the scene members of the public had rescued the child from the river and taken him to safety.

“The boy was taken to hospital as a precaution.”

Tandragee DUP representative Alderman Gareth Wilson expressed his relief at a positive outcome and praised those who had came to the boy’s rescue.

He said: “Local people who intervened in this situation deserve great praise for their fast action which has prevented a possible tragedy from occurring.

“Thankfully the young boy was brought to safety and I wish him well as he recovers from the shock of this incident.

“Rivers can be dangerous and with recent prolonged heavy rain, are fast flowing and unpredictable and I would urge extreme caution.”

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