CitySafe Durham members rescue man from River Wear

Kieren Stephenson and Zane Williamson, who volunteer with the welfare group CitySafe Durham, were patrolling the city in the early hours of Saturday morning with Durham County Council officials, when they spotted people looking over Elvet Bridge.

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Jumping into action, the pair along with the council representative, rushed to the riverside to see what was happening.

When they arrived at the riverbank, screaming could be heard from along the river.

Durham CitySafe volunteers rescued a man from the River Wear in Durham Picture: Durham CitySafe

Kieren and Zane raced along the river path and found a man shoulder-deep in the freezing water.

Without a second thought or regard for their own safety, and risking their own life, the pair grabbed hold of the man and pulled him out of the river and onto the footpath.

This was made particularly difficult due to the fast flowing water and high river levels.

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They treated the patient and where swiftly joined by Durham Police, fire and rescue and the hazardous area response team.

A CitySafe Durham spokesman said :"It was a great multi-agency effort, with our volunteers being first on scene truly saved a life."

Durham CitySafe volunteer Kieren Stephenson was involved in the rescue Picture: Durham CitySafe

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