A MAN had to be rescued after falling from Walney Promenade.

An elderly man believed to be in his late 60s to early 80s fell from the pavement on the promenade and landed on the shoreline.

The incident took place on Saturday night at midnight.

It was believed that he accidentally stumbled in the dark on his way home and fell at least three metres onto the shoreline below.

A member of the public had witnessed the accident and notified the emergency services.

All three branches of the emergency services responded to the incident.

The North West Ambulance Service was supported by fire crews from Barrow and Walney fire and rescue service, as well as members of Cumbria Police.

The elderly man had suffered a head wound from his fall, but this was not considered to be too serious.

Rescuers used a scoop stretcher to reach the man and lift him back onto the promenade.

The stretcher had to be pieced together beneath the victim and had to be lifted by several of the rescuers.

In ten minutes, the rescuers were able to lift the man from the shoreline and out of danger.

He was treated on the scene by paramedics and later transferred to hospital.

It was confirmed that the man was not seriously injured, and that no one else was involved.

Station manager for Cumbria Fire and Rescue, Roger Exley, said: “We were very happy to assist and support the ambulance crews.

“It can be very difficult to lift people out of areas, especially those near water and our fire crews are very well trained in rescues like this regard.

“We will always have fire fighters on hand to assist other emergency services.”

Emergency services have advised caution while on the promenade at night.