Six-year-old freed from breakwater

A six-year-old boy had to be rescued this evening after he slipped between rails at Bognor Regis and became trapped by a breakwater near a slipway.

The National Maritime Operations Centre was called at 7.30 pm this evening by a member of the public reporting the incident. Littlehampton Coastguard Rescue Team, Sussex Fire and Rescue and Sussex Police all attended the scene. On arrival they found the distressed child, who was with his parents. The Fire Service cut a 4 ft piece of timber out of the breakwater and the child was freed within minutes.

Holly Newnham, UK Coastguard said:

“I am pleased to report that the child is safe and well. We advise people of all ages to be careful when playing near the water’s edge – equipment can be slippery and may not be as secure as you assume. In an emergency on the coast call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

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