EX-soldier Ste Hughes says he is “bursting with pride” after discovering his teenage daughter and her friend helped rescue a 74-year-old man who was pushed into the River Mersey at Warrington by a group of young males who then ran off laughing.
Mr Hughes from Appleton said he was “bursting with pride” after hearing how his daughter Ellie aged 14 and her friend Chloe, aged 13 had come to the rescue of the elderly man.
The incident happened on the banks of the Mersey near Jelly Beans Play centre, where the man was sat fishing.
“The girls heard the man shouting for help and went to his rescue,” added Mr Hughes, who served with the army in the Royal Artillery for 4 years in Germany and Northern Ireland before being forced to retire after suffering a back injury in training.
The incident took place between 2.30pm and 3pm on Sunday 25 April while the 74-year-old was sat on a bank of the River Mersey on Wharf Street near Riverside Retail Park.
Two or three male youths are believed to have pushed him from behind causing him to fall into the water, as they all then ran away from him laughing.
The two girls who were passing by came to his aid and pulled him out of the water.
He walked home freezing cold and with a cut to his face after banging his head after falling into the water. He informed his family who reported the assault to the police.
Enquiries are now ongoing to find those responsible.
A Cheshire Police spokesperson said:”The two women who came to the gentleman’s aid have now come forward and spoken to officers.
“Our enquiries in relation to those involved in the assault remain ongoing.”
Anyone who can assist police with their enquiries please contact 101 quoting IML 973152 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report a crime online.
