The driver of a white van was rescued after being trapped when his vehicle was swept downstream by fast moving flood water at Garey Ford, Lezayre.

The van had come to rest against a bridge before the man was plucked to safety.

Police said the river at the time was very fast flowing and deep and they were 'very dangerous conditions.'Assistant divisional officer Mark Walker said shortly after 5pm yesterday (Saturday) crews from Ramsey Fire Station, a specialist water rescue team from Douglas Fire Station along with the duty officer were mobilised by the Emergency Services Joint Control Room to reports of a vehicle that had been swept downstream by fast moving flood water at Garey Ford trapping the occupant inside.

He said on arrival the officer in charge of the first appliance liaised with police officers on scene, assessed the situation and made contact with the occupant of the vehicle which had come to rest against a bridge.

ADO Walker said that because of the dangers presented by the fast moving water Ramsey crews secured the vehicle and started space creation from the bridge using hydraulic cutting gear.

Once this was completed members of the water rescue team, wearing specialist personal protective equipment, entered the vehicle and the casualty was removed using a stretcher and passed to the care of the paramedics who transported the casualty to hospital for checks.

Crews were in attendance for approximately 90 minutes.

The fire service issued this warning: ’The fire service would remind the public not to drive or wade into flood water if at all possible, especially if it is fast flowing. Moving flood water can sweep you off your feet if it is only a few inches deep, and can lift up and sweep away a car.’

Emergency teams at the scene included two appliances from Ramsey Fire Station, specialist Water rescue team from Douglas Fire Station and Duty Officer. Police and ambulance service were also in attendance.Police said: 'Officers from the Northern Neighbourhood Team were first on scene to a vehicle and its driver that had been swept down the river at The Garey Ford. 'Officers were able to reach the driver and speak with him, but quickly established it was not safe to enter the water or try to remove him. 'Ramsey Fire Station were despatched and used their skills and specialist equipment to safely extract the driver in what were very dangerous conditions. 'The river at the time was very fast flowing and deep. We urge the public to drive safely on our roads especially at times when weather warnings are issued. The public are also reminded to never enter the water to attempt a rescue and should telephone 999 immediately.'