A MAN has been taken to hospital with chest and back injuries after being hauled from a canal in Bridgwater. 

Police were called at 11.30am to reports of a man in Bridgwater and Taunton canal near Albert Street.

They cordoned off the area to investigate the 'possibility of an assault'.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said: "We were called by fire to reports of a man in the canal off Albert Street in Bridgwater this morning at about 11.30am.

"The man was trapped in the mud and released by the fire service.

"He has been taken to hospital with chest and back injuries.

"We’re keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident who may have information.

"If you can help, call 101, quoting log 0333 of today."

Albert Street was closed  to traffic in both directions while investigations took place.

A spokesman for South West Ambulance Service said: "We were called at 11.24am to Albert Street in Bridgwater after reports of a male casualty with a chest injury. 

"The man was taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol for treatment. The man's injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

"Two ambulances, a rapid response car and a doctor attended the scene."