Angler airlifted to safety after river bursts banks

Published on Wednesday 8 October 2008 12:57

A fisherman was plucked to safety in a dramatic helicopter rescue after being stranded when a river burst its banks, police said.

The stricken angler was cut off when the River Nith, in Dumfries and Galloway, was swelled by heavy downpours last night.

He managed to take refuge in an angling association hut and contacted emergency services as the waters rose rapidly around him.

A helicopter was scrambled from HMS Gannet and he was airlifted to safety from his shelter near Carnsalloch House, Kirkton, north of Dumfries. He was uninjured.

Meanwhile, Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary said roads were closed across the region yesterday as it was hit by floods.

In another incident, officers evacuated a car park just moments before it was deluged.

Dumfries and Galloway Fire and Rescue Service said it responded to three flood-related incidents last night.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) had a flood warning in place tonight on the River Nith, including the area around Dumfries.

Five flood watches were issued across Scotland.