Fire crews rescue teenager urban climbers stuck under a bridge in Avenham Park

The boys, equipped with clips and ropes, had been attempting to climb under the old railway bridge when they became stuck at around 7.45pm yesterday evening (June 15).

The frightened teenagers could be seen huddled together on a narrow platform under the span of the bridge, near one of the arches, where they appeared trapped.

Police closed off the footpath on the Avenham Park side of the River Ribble whilst a crowd gathered to watch the Preston fire crew come to the boys' rescue.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service also requested its urban search and rescue team from Chorley and its boat from Penwortham.

Firefighters used the aerial ladder platform (ALP) to ascend the 20-plus feet to the stone abutments where the boys awaited their rescue.

They were soon brought back down to safe ground as the firefighters' efforts were applauded by onlookers.

According to one eyewitness, police officers were seen having a word with the boys about their ill-judged escapade.

A fire service spokesman said: "We were called at 7.46pm and it was crews from Chorley, Penwortham and Preston (ALP) that attended.

"We were at the incident for thirty five minutes.

"The Chorley crew were called because they are our urban search and rescue team and do rope rescue etc, and Penwortham have the boat and when the call came in we weren’t sure in what capacity they were stuck."

Lancashire Police has declined to comment.