A FAMILY of four became the latest victims of a notorious river crossing after their car became stranded in swollen waters yesterday.

A couple and their two young children were carried to safety by police, who waded into the freezing River Wear, at Stanhope, County Durham, to reach them.

The family's Volvo estate had nearly crossed the ford when it became stuck, just before lunchtime.

Two police officers carried the children to safety and then helped the parents, before using a police vehicle to drag the car from the water.

A witness said: "I saw the car hesitate at the ford and was astounded when the driver decided to drive on, the children looked young - about four or five, and a baby, so I was pleased the police could easily rescue them."

In January 2004, a furniture delivery van became stranded and more than 20 rescuers worked to save its two passengers in an operation believed to have cost about £20,000.

In August last year, a 22-year-old man and a 16-year-old girl were trapped for an hour before an RAF helicopter airlifted them to safety after their four-wheel drive vehicle was swept down the river.

Two months later, a helicopter hovered above a stricken Audi while a Great North Air Ambulance paramedic pulled the driver to safety through the car window.

Many Weardale residents want to keep the crossing because they say it attracts tourists.

But emergency services fear lives could be lost if drivers continue to ignore the warning signs on both sides of the crossing.

Acting Sergeant Neil Fuller, of Crook police, said: "Once again, we have to reiterate that if we have a period of heavy rainfall, drivers should be careful."

Councillor John Shuttleworth said: "Durham County Council has done everything possible to warn motorists about the risks. Nobody in their right mind would drive into the river after days of heavy rain."