A WOMAN was rescued by firefighters after she was found holding onto a pontoon in the River Tone. 

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service were called at 12.09am on Monday (June 8) by a member of the public reporting a person in the River Tone near to Poundstretcher, Bridge Street, Taunton.

Two fire engines from Taunton and the Special Rescue Team from Bridgwater were sent to the scene.

When firefighters arrived at the scene they found a woman in the river, holding onto the pontoon.  

Crews used a short extension ladder, throw lines and personal flotation devices to rescue the female from the water.

A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said the special rescue team was not required and the woman was handed over to paramedics on scene.

A South Western Ambulance Service spokesperson said:  “We were called at around 0.10am about an incident involving a female in water near Bridge Street, Taunton.

"Our land ambulance crew and senior paramedic treated the patient and conveyed her to hospital for further care.”