POLICE will have to wait at least another three weeks before they can question a mother who was rescued from the canal with her young daughter.

The development came as it was revealed the six-year-old girl had been released from hospital and has been taken abroad by her father to continue her recovery.

The woman and child, from the Corporation Park area of Blackburn, were rescued by a teenager from the Leeds and Liverpool Canal at the back of the Moorings pub in Bolton Road, Blackburn on Tuesday, April 22. The woman reportedly told the teenager to "leave us" when he jumped in fully clothed and dragged them to safety.

Paul Swift, 16, of Birch Hall Avenue, Darwen, and girlfriend Leanne Duce, who also helped in the rescue, visited the girl while she was in hospital and gave her a box of chocolates.

The 34-year-old woman, whose name has not been released by police, is receiving treatment at Queen's Park Hospital, Blackburn, and police have said it will be at least three weeks until they interview her.

Police, social services and mental health bosses have launched a major inquiry into the incident.

DI Pete Broome, who is in charge of the investigation said the inquiry was moving slowly.

He added: "She is currently receiving treatment at Queen's Park Hospital where I am anticipating she is going to be for a number of weeks, at least four.

"Whilst she is there, the children have been taken abroad by their father. The investigation into the circumstances of the incident is continuing."