Following an incident at the River Eden, near to Holme Street, Appleby, a 13-year-old, local boy remains in a critical but stable condition.
Police were called to the incident at 5.17pm yesterday (Feb 26), following a report that a teenage boy had got into difficulty in the river.
Emergency service, NWAS and Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service also attended and firefighters pulled the boy from the water.
A Cumbria Police spokesman said: “An air ambulance transported the boy to the Royal Victoria Infirmary where he received specialist medical attention and care, he was later transferred to Freeman Hospital, Newcastle, where he remains in a critical but stable condition.
“His family are aware and are being supported by specialist officers.
“Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the incident.
“Police would like to remind the public that, regardless of the warm weather for February, temperatures in rivers and open water can remain extremely cold. Those who are not experienced in such conditions and do not have professional swimming attire for the conditions should not enter the water.”
A BEEP Fund spokesman said: “At approx 5.10pm, a BEEP Fund Doctor was called by Northwest Ambulance Service to attend an incident in the river in the middle of Appleby, where a 13-year-old male had got into difficulties while swimming with his friends.
“He was treated at the scene by the BEEP Fund Doctor, the Doctor/Paramedic crew from the Great North Air Ambulance helicopter, NWAS paramedics, Fire Service personnel from the Appleby Fire Station and a local GP.
“Advanced medical procedures were performed to stabilise his condition before being flown to Newcastle in the air ambulance.”
