A pensioner was dramatically rescued last night after falling into a north-east canal.
Emergency services were called to Ladeside Gardens, Port Elphinstone, at around 5pm after a nearby resident spotted a man toppling into the disused canal – known locally as The Lade.
The resident, who did not want to be named, tried to use a rope to help pull him out of the water, but was unable to and alerted the police.
He said he sprung into action after seeing the man fall in.
“I think he just stumbled and lost his footing. By the time I got there he was right in the water,” he said.
“I got the rope from the caravan and shouted to my partner to call an ambulance.
“I tried to pull him out with the rope but couldn’t get him up the verge – the police got here in about 10 minutes.
“He was just an older man, I don’t know him – I was just doing anyone should be doing. To be honest, there should be a fence round there.”
Three fire appliances – one from Ellon and two from Inverurie – arrived at the canal a short time later.
About 16 firefighters were called to deal with the incident.
The ambulance service was also alerted and the special operations unit – who have underwater training – assisted the fire service.
After being helped out of the water, the pensioner was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
Last night, an ambulance service spokesman said the casualty’s condition was not known, but it was not believed to be serious.
Gordon Riddel, station manager at North Anderson Drive, was in charge at the scene.
He said: “We were called here to a report of an elderly gentleman who had fallen into the water.
“Water rescue crews from Ellon and Inverurie attended, in total there was 16 personnel assisted by the Scottish Ambulance Service special operations unit.
“We rescued the male casualty from the water, he was conscious throughout.
“One of the neighbours saw the gentleman fall into the water.”