EMERGENCY services rushed to Bridgwater after receiving reports that a person was face down in the River Parrett. 

Burnham-on-Sea Coastguard were called at 12.33pm yesterday (January 14) to help rescue the person with Weston Coastguard, BARB Search and Rescue, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, police and ambulance amid concerns it was a life-threatening incident. 

A spokesman for Burnham Coastguard, said: "The first units on scene managed to get close enough to identify the suspected casualty as an inanimate object and not a person.

"Therefore there was no danger to life and all proceeding units were stood down."

Despite a body not being found, the spokesman said the person who had reported it had done the right thing. 

"Although it sounds like a large amount of assets it shows the importance and priority we place on a persons life," the spokesman said,

"There can be no price placed on it and it is better to have units proceeding and stood down rather than needed and not on scene.

"The person who called the information in did exactly the right thing.

"This could've been something a lot worse and we are all happy that the outcome was good and no one was in danger."

If you see anyone in danger or difficulty along the coast, cliff paths or at sea, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.