Huge emergency response and boat units called to canal as two men rescued and taken to hospital

A huge emergency services presence descended on a canal on Tuesday afternoon (November 28) before two men were rescued and rushed to hospital.

Boat units, paramedics, technical response units and police attended the scene along Crankwood Road, beside the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, shortly after 2pm following reports for concerns for welfare.

Pictures from the scene showed a huge response with emergency services vehicles lining the road amid the major rescue operation. A scene still remains in place as investigations continue to establish the full circumstances.

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Two men were rushed to hospital for treatment after fire crews were called to assist police at the scene, including technical response units and a specialist boat unit. It is understood they were pulled from the water.

One witness told the M.E.N they saw '28 emergency services vehicles' at the scene 'on blue lights and sirens', and that police were stopping people from walking down to the canal path.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: "At 2:15pm today (Tuesday 28 November) Greater Manchester Police were called to reports of concerns for welfare at Crank Wood canal, Abram, Wigan.

"Police and emergency services attended, and two men have been taken to hospital for treatment. A scene remains in place and enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances."

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) added: “At around 2.20pm on Tuesday 28 November, two fire engines from Wigan and Atherton, the technical