A disabled woman in a wheelchair was rescued from the River Thames this afternoon.

About 30 firefighters were called to the riverside in Radnor Gardens, Twickenham, at about 12.30pm and rescued the woman, in her 20s, from the water using a stretcher.

It is believed the woman lives in a nearby care home and her support worker went into the river after her to try and help after she rolled in.

The Teddington RNLI were called by London Fire Brigade to help and when they arrived the woman had been rescued but her wheelchair remained in the water.

Andy Butterfield, helm of Teddington RNLI, said: “The lady went down the slope of Radnor Gardens and into the water.

“She had gone into the river and the fire brigade said she had banged her head on the way in.

“There were a significant number of fire, police and ambulance on the scene already to support the recovery.

“You couldn’t throw much more resources at recovering this lady.

“It was great that the fire brigade were able to help straight away rather than wait for us because sometimes that is not possible.”

Richmond and Twickenham Times: Twickenham riverside in Radnor Gardens cordoned off by police

Police near Radnor Gardens for the rescue operation

The London Ambulance Service said their teams treated the woman for a minor cut to the head and effects of being in cold water.

She was taken to West Middlesex Hospital as a precaution.

Police cordoned off the area around Radnor Gardens, near Cross Deep.

A police sergeant at the scene said: “Police were called by the ambulance service to reports of a female wheelchair user in the River Thames.

“On arrival, the fire service was making steps to retrieve the woman, who has been taken to hospital.

“She is from a local care home and the circumstances do not appear to be suspicious.”

Did you see what happened? Call our newsdesk on 020 8744 4274 or email: tom.ambrose@london.newsquest.co.uk.

 

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