An 11-year-old girl had to be rescued by firefighters after getting trapped in mud up to her waist while playing on exposed mud flats on the River Tyne.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service received a 999 call at around 4pm on June 9, after a group of six children playing in the mud had become stuck and unable to get back to the safety of the Quayside.
Upon arrival, five of the children had managed to free themselves but one 11-year-old girl was trapped up to her waist in the mud.
Firefighters used a throw bag in the direction of the trapped girl and were able to pull her to safety.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has now issued a warning to the public of the dangers of stepping in the mud.
A spokeswoman said: "We strongly advise everyone, regardless of age or ability not attempt to venture onto exposed mud flats next to any bodies of open water.
"Mud can be dangerous and unpredictable. It may look firm enough to walk on, but it is incredibly sticky and can cause a vacuum under foot.
"The more you try to pull your way out, the more the vacuum holds you – which is exactly what happened to this young girl on June 9th.
"A big thank you to the member of public who kept the little girl calm until we arrived.
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"Our advice is: If you do become stuck in mud include:
• Stay calm
• Lie down, spread your arms and legs wide apart and shout for help
• Get someone to call 999
• Do not stand upright or attempt any movement as this makes you sink even more quickly
• If you see someone stuck in the mud, always go for help and ring 999 - do not attempt to go into the mud yourself."
