An elderly walker had to be rescued by firefighters in a boat after she slipped by a forest river and broke her ankle, becoming trapped in the mud.

The woman was stuck for some time as paramedics tried to reach the woman in Thetford Forest but had to abandon their efforts, as they feared they would also become trapped.

Firefighters were called to the incident in Santon Downham, close to the River Ouse at 12.17pm today.

In total eight vehicles attended, with Thetford fire station leading on the rescue and crews from Bury St Edmunds, Woodbridge, Brandon and Ipswich attending.

An officer for the Forestry Commission, which runs Thetford Forest, was also present.

A spokesman for Suffolk Fire and Rescue said: “A woman slipped in the mud and dislocated her leg.

“The ambulance service were trying to assess her but realised they were getting themselves at risk and were concerned they were getting stuck.”

She was eventually rescued by firefighters in a boat.