A man was saved from drowning in the river Thames after being rescued by firefighters this afternoon.

London Ambulance Service (LAS) and fire crews were called at 1.30pm after the man was spotted near into the river at Putney Bridge.

The man, believed to be in his 40s, was taken as a priority to St George's Hospital, Tooting.

A spokeswoman for LAS said he was concious and breathing, while paramedics treated him for hypothermia at the scene.

White Watch Manager Matthew Sinclair, from Wandsworth fire station, said: “Fortunately he was quite close to the shore, so firefighters used ropes to rescue the man from the river.

"Once they’d got him onto dry land they gave him first aid and were subsequently assisted by the RNLI [lifeguards] until the ambulance arrived.

“Crews did a fantastic job and acted extremely quickly to save this man’s life.”

The man was taken to hospital by ambulance following the dramatic rescue.

Two fire engines from Wandsworth, one from Fulham, and a fire rescue unit from Battersea, were on the scene.

The Brigade’s fire boat was also called to the incident and about 25 firefighters and officers were present.

The Brigade was called at 1.22pm and the incident was over at 2.55pm.

Did you see it happen? Contact the newsdesk on 020 8722 6344 or email arucki@london.newsquest.co.uk.