Two teenage girls were rescued after being trapped in mud up to their waists in the dark on a Merseyside beach this evening.
Emergency services were called to Crosby Beach just after 5pm today after they managed to call 999 from their mobiles.
The girls, in their late teens, managed to use the torches on their devices to show coastguard and firefighters their location.
They were found 300 metres from safety in thick mud, which left them unable to move in a spot which was a notorious danger spot.
Fire crews used mud rescue kits, comprising of ropes, sleds and stretchers to reach the frightened girls in Sefton.
The girls were checked by paramedics after they were taken to safety, but did not require hospital treatment.
A spokesman for Crosby Coastguard told the ECHO: "We received reports that two youths were trapped up to their waists in mud, out from Crosby Baths.
"It's a notorious area.
"They were lucky as the tide was going out, and low tide was at 8.15pm, so we had a bit of time to play with.
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"It's one of the areas we get called to the most.
"They told us they didn't realise the danger they were in and thought they could walk trough the mud.
"But that put them in more danger.
"Once the mud reaches your shins, you can't move."
Also involved were Wirral Coastguard, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, Merseyside Police and North West Ambulance Service.
The fire service spokesman said at the time: "Firefighters liaised with coastguard colleagues to formulate a tactical plan for a safe approach and four firefighters donned water kit...
"...a multi-agency meeting has taken place and firefighters will approach the casualties wearing full water kit and use a rescue sled to effect their rescue and return to safe ground while in contact with police colleagues on the beach."
