Dramatic pictures show the moment an eight-year-old boy is rescued from an island in the River Mersey

This is the nail-biting moment an eight-year-old boy was rescued from a gushing river by firefighters after getting trapped on an island.

Emergency services were called to the River Mersey in Northenden just after midday on Tuesday to help the stranded child.

It's understood the youngster had been swimming in the water when he got stuck.

Emergency crews at the scene (UGC)

Photos taken by witnesses show the boy shivering as he stands on the island - which is in the middle of the river - in just his swimming shorts.

A member of GMFRS' boat crew then crosses the flowing river and gives him a blanket, before the pair are pulled back across to safety by other firefighters using throwlines.

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The youngster awaiting rescue in the middle of the river (UGC)

The child was treated by paramedics, before being taken to hospital.

A spokesman for GMFRS said: "We were called at 12.05pm to the water near Northenden Riverside Park to reports a child was stranded on an island in the river.

Firefighters used throwlines to help rescue the youngster (UGC)

The boy is pulled to safety by fire crews (UGC)

"We sent two engines from Wythenshawe and Withington, along with the boat unit from Eccles, to the scene.

"Crews rescued the child using an inflatable hose and throwlines before handing him into the care of the ambulance service."

The pair safely reach the bank of the river (UGC)

NWAS added: "We received a call at 12.07pm to Michael's Close in Manchester. A patient has been taken to hospital."