Search and rescue teams, fire engines and a coastguard helicopter were been spotted around the River Ribble after being called shortly before 1pm on Sunday
A major search operation is underway has been launched after concerns were raised for a man swimming in a river.
Search and rescue teams, fire engines and a coastguard helicopter were been spotted around the River Ribble off Ribchester Road, Dinckley after being called shortly before 1pm on Sunday.
People are being urged to avoid the area while the operation continues.
One eye witness told Lancs Live : “The temperature of the water at this time of year is very cold. And the river can be dangerous due to the rocks on the riverbed.”
In a statement, a Lancashire Police spokesperson said: “We were called to Ribchester Road, Dinckley, at 12.58pm today (21st December) after receiving concerns about the safety of a man last seen swimming in the River Ribble.
“A multi-agency rescue operation is ongoing and we would ask that the public avoid the area so emergency responders can safely carry out their work.
“Anyone with information which could assist the emergency response is asked to call 101 and quote log 590 of 21st December 2025.”
According to one eye witness, a helicopter has been hovering the area for “a while” with water search vehicles involved.
They said: “I was out fishing at the time and suddenly saw all these water search vehicles driving up and down [Ribchester Road]. Then the helicopter appeared and it’s been hovering around for a while now.”
