FIREFIGHTERS have moved to allay concerns raised after a huge emergency service presence was reported.

A number of Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service vehicles were pictured by the side of the River Mersey at Bridge Foot yesterday, Thursday.

Firefighters by the side of the River Mersye at Bridge Foot. Picture: Lymm Fire Station

Firefighters by the side of the River Mersye at Bridge Foot. Picture: Lymm Fire Station

These included fire engines and the technical response unit, while rafts were deployed on the waterway.

Concern had been raised by passers-by that this was a real emergency incident – but the fire service has confirmed that this was a routine training exercise.

Firefighters by the side of the River Mersye at Bridge Foot. Picture: Lymm Fire Station

Firefighters by the side of the River Mersye at Bridge Foot. Picture: Lymm Fire Station

Lymm Fire Station said: “Yesterday, blue watch from Lymm joined blue watch from Warrington for joint training, launching and recovering the rescue boat on the River Mersey.

“Completing training like this allows crews to familiarise themselves with launch sites, launch and recovery procedures.”