A man has died after falling into the River Darwen.

A huge emergency service presence was spotted on Monday morning as reports suggested someone has been seen in the River Darwen.

An air ambulance, fire engines, the water rescue team and unmarked police cars were been seen in Higher Walton in Preston, close to the Mill Tavern pub.

An eye-witness who was travelling on the bus said: "An unmarked police car just went flying down past us with its sirens on.

"The river runs underneath the bridge near the Mill Tavern pub and there's a helicopter, two fire engines, a boat and loads of police.

"Some of the emergency wrokers were in the river. I hope everything is ok."

A spokesperson for the fire service said: "Five fire engines from Bamber Bridge, Preston, Leyland, Fulwood and Penwortham, and specialist vehicles, attended reports of a person in the water at Higher Walton Road, Walton-le-Dale.

"On arrival, firefighters assisted with moving the person and assisted them to an ambulance, where they were conveyed to hospital.

"Crews used rope and water rescue equipment and remained on scene for approximately two hours."

The police confirmed that someone was in the river but was rescued and taken to hospital.

Unfortunately, a statement just before midday on Monday confirmed that the man had died.

A spokesperosn for the police said: "Emergency services were called at about 9.15am today (Monday, January 24) following a report a man had gone into the river at Higher Walton. 

"He was pulled from the water by members of the public and taken by ambulance to hospital but despite the best efforts of medical staff was pronounced dead a short time later.

"Enquiries into the incident are on-going.

"Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log 0306 of January 24."