TWO people had a lucky escape yesterday when their car plunged into a river.

The incident happened in Nayland on the Suffolk/Essex border when the car was driven into the River Stour.

The accident took place in the car park of the Anchor Inn in Court Street and an ambulance and a fire crew were sent to the scene.

The fire crew was stood down en route as its assistance was not needed but an eyewitness said the driver and passenger were pulled free from the car and left in the care of ambulance paramedics.

The witness, who works at the Anchor but asked not to be named, said: “A few people jumped in and got them out and then they went off in the ambulance. I spoke to their grandson and he said they’re OK.

“It was well in there. It was certainly an interesting day and something I’ve never seen before.”

An East of England Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We were called at 4.10pm and a rapid response vehicle was dispatched to the scene treating a couple who were in shock but uninjured.

“No further action was taken and the couple were discharged at the scene.”