A major emergency services operation in York city centre is now over.
Earlier tonight (Friday), Ouse Bridge was sealed off with officers stationed at either end.
And a section of riverside along Queen’s Staith was cordoned off by police tape.
It was to allow emergency services to come to the aid of someone who fell from the bridge onto the exposed section of riverbank known as York beach.
Both the bridge and the riverside have now been reopened.
North Yorkshire Police issued this update at 11.42pm:
“Emergency services were called to an area below Ouse Bridge in York – known locally as York Beach – at 8.55pm on Friday following reports that a man had fallen.
“Ambulance, fire and police teams dealt with the situation and the area was cordoned off during this time.
“The man has been taken to hospital by ambulance for treatment. The area around the bridge reopened just before 10pm.”
Witnesses to the incident are asked to contact North Yorkshire Police either via the website or by calling 101, option 1, quoting reference NYP-19052023-0583.
A North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson said:
“York crews assisted ambulance and police crews with a male casualty who had fallen and landed on the sandbank. Crews lifted male into the ambulance.”
Earlier, North Yorkshire Police explained the operation: “The area surrounding Ouse Bridge in York has been cordoned off while emergency services deal with an incident involving a person who has fallen onto York Beach just before 9pm.
“Motorists and pedestrians are advised to avoid the area until further notice.”
At the height of the operation, police vans, an unmarked police car and a fire engine were parked on Ouse Bridge.
And group of firefighters and paramedics were at the riverside under the bridge where the casualty was.
York Rescue Boat volunteers were also on the scene. Another police van and two ambulances were on Queen’s Staith Road.
The Tank And Paddle pub on Bridge Street was sealed on both sides by police tape. That pub has also reopened.
