RESCUING a drunken man from a river embankment placed unnecessary demand on the emergency services, say police.

A 41-year-old man was found by a member of the public in the water at the bottom of an embankment on London Road, Northwich, on Tuesday.

He was found under a bridge just before 3pm, and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s line rescue and swift water teams attended the incident.

He was stabilised by the swift water team while the line rescue team set up ropes and height rescue equipment.

The man was brought up to safety and handed into the care of paramedics, and police also attended.

Inspector Dave Snasdell said: “An incident occurred on the afternoon of May 24 on the River Dane near the Arches off London Road.

“A 41-year-old man was rescued by the police and the fire service from the river after falling in under the influence of alcohol.

“This placed unnecessary demand on emergency services that attended the scene, and could have ended with a fatality.”