Rescue teams were scrambled to reports of people in the water in the Maryport harbour area - one being a child.

Independent lifeboat group Maryport Inshore rescue reported yesterday they were scrambled by HM Coastguard's Belfast control centre after reports "of a child in the water in the River Ellen", at about 1.50 in the afternoon.

The crew quickly assembled and prepared their boat for launch.

A spokesman for the team said: "Just as the boat was about to be launched the team received a ‘stand down’ as our colleges at Maryport Coastguard rescue team has made it to the scene and the casualty was safe and on dry land."

A spokesman for Maryport Coastguard team said they were also called to an earlier incident yesterday, at 11.55 in the morning.

"We were alerted by CGOC Belfast Coastguard at two separate times to persons in the water within Maryport harbour.

"We attended to thankfully find that the persons were no longer in the water and apart from being wet and cold, were ok.

"One of the ‘casualties’ received attention from North West Ambulance Service.

"Also alerted were our neighbouring team Whitehaven Coastguard Rescue Team."