PASSERS-BY came to the rescue when a teenager got into difficulty on mud flats in New Ferry last night.

Two men waded into the mud near The Esplanade to help the striken youngster to safety.

Now a fire chief is warning that although the rescuers' efforts were "commendable" they should have "been aware of their own safety."

Watch manager Dave Simpson from Bromborough fire station attended the incident. 

He said: “When we arrived on scene a young male was being escorted back from the mud flats by another older man.

"Two men had worked hard to rescue this young man from the mud flats. 

"While their actions are commendable, people should be aware of their own safety and the dangers they can put themselves in when going to help others.

“The young male was lucky.”

Mr Simpson continued: “People should be aware that even in this weather the mud stays reasonably soft under foot and people can get into difficulty quite easily.

“The River Mersey has one of the fastest tide turnarounds. In that area where the young male was, the water can swamp the beach before the mud flats and cut people off.

“People can walk to locations such as Hilbre Island, off the coast of West Kirby, and not be aware of the tides. People need to make sure they know the tide times before going into this area."

He said if people are going to walk to Hilbre Island or walk in this area they should make sure someone knows they are going and the expected time of their return.

A fire engine from Bromborough along with the marine rescue unit boat attended the incident which took place at around 9pm on Monday.