More on KentOnline
Home Tunbridge Wells News Article
A young boy's been rescued after getting stuck in mud.
He was spotted in some trouble by a couple walking in woodland behind the community centre in Greggs Wood Road in Tunbridge Wells just before 1pm today.
The 12-year-old had been playing with a friend on a dried out pond when they both got stuck in the mud.
Tunbridge Wells watch manager, Iain Gross, said: “After making the 999 call, the woman very sensibly met us on the road and led us to the exact area, which was really helpful.
"While one of the boys managed to get free, the other, in his attempts to get out, had worked himself further into the mud.”
Fire crews used ladders to make a working area in the bog and dug him out to release the suction of the mud.
The boy was checked over by ambulance crews but he sustained no injuries.
Mr Gross added: “Mud can be dangerous and unpredictable.
"It may look firm enough to walk on, but is incredibly sticky and can cause a vacuum under foot. The more you try to pull your way out, the more the vacuum holds you – which is what happened to this boy.
“If you find yourself stuck in mud, try to spread your weight as evenly as possible, avoid moving and stay as calm as you can.
"Discourage onlookers from attempting to rescue you as they are likely to get into difficulty themselves.
"Get them to phone 999 and ask for the fire service, we have the training and equipment to help get you out.”
Despite being stuck in the mud for around 45 minutes, the boy was still in good spirits.