Rescue operation underway after reports of a man missing in the River Roche

A significant rescue operation was underway today following reports that a man was missing after falling into the River Roch in Heywood.

Police, the fire service, ambulance crews, mountain rescue teams and even an HM Coastguard helicopter were scrambled to a stretch of the river near Bamford Road following the report at 10.30am.

Emergency services personnel have been concentrating their search efforts on a part of the river close to Back o' th' Moss community centre. Drones were also being used as part of the rescue effort. As light faded, the rescue effort was continuing this evening.

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Pictures from the scene showed rescue workers concentrating on wetlands as well as in the River Roch as well as an HM Coastguard helicopter in the sky above.

Robert Czyzewski, 37, a car mechanic who lives in the area, told the Manchester Evening News he believed the incident was prompted by a report from a dog walker this morning.

He said: "This morning we heard sirens and there was plenty of fire service people, ambulances and police and then then started sending the helicopter around. We were all wondering what was happening."

A spokesperson for Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: "At around 10:30am this morning (Sunday, 24^th November), firefighters were called to a location near Bamford Road in Heywood following reports of a person missing in the water at the River Roch.

"Three fire engines from Rochdale and Heywood fire stations, along with the Water Incident Unit from Heywood and the Technical Rescue Unit from Ashton fire stations quickly arrived at the scene.

“Crews are working hard to carry out a thorough search of the area, with support from colleagues at Mountain Rescue and the Maritime Coast Guard utilising boats, drones and a helicopter.

“Firefighters remain at the scene.”

Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue Team has also scrambled personnel to the incident. A spokesperson declined to comment while the incident was still continuing.