Littlehampton swing bridge jumper "critical but stable"

A MAN who jumped from Littlehampton's swing bridge last night (Wednesday, May 6) is still in hospital.

The man was pulled unconscious from the River Arun by members of the public.

Four other people, two men and two women, also jumped into the water, in a bid to rescue him.

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Two managed to scramble out of the river, while the others, who were clinging to the footings of the bridge, were saved by Littlehampton Lifeboat crews.

A massive rescue operation was launched, with Solent Coastguard and police helicopters both on the scene, as well as fire, ambulance and RNLI crews.

Nick White, lifeboat operations manager, said: "The condition of the man who fell was such that he could not be carried up the slippery bank.

"Paramedics treated him for quite some time at the scene, before he was taken to Worthing Hospital by helicopter."

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PC Jackie Shears, of Littlehampton Police, added that the man was in a "critical but stable condition".

The swing bridge, next to the Arun View pub, was closed by police until 8.35pm.

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