A WOMAN was rescued by firefighters after passersby held her head above water.

The incident happened at 11.30am on Monday, November 8, where crews from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service attended County Lock in Reading town centre.

According to an eyewitness, two members of the public "crawled along a narrow beam to hold the woman above water" until emergency services arrived.

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They said: "Firefighters rescued the woman before they also assisted the two members of the public who had gallantly stepped in to help the distressed woman before 999 crews arrived."

The video above also shows the water rescue operation taking place.

A Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "At 11:26am on Monday, 8 November, we received reports of people in the water near Bridge Street, Reading.

"Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service crews from Wokingham Road Fire Station, Whitley Wood Fire Station and Theale Community Fire Station were sent to the scene, alongside the Water Rescue Unit from Caversham Road Fire Station.

"Upon arrival, crews found two people in difficulty, with one person in the water in need of rescuing.

"Crews used water rescue equipment to help the people to safety and were on the scene for approximately 52 minutes."