LOCAL firefighters can still swim out to rescue people, despite the tragic drowning of one of their colleagues.

Fire chiefs insist officers-in-charge at emergency incidents will continue to make the final decision whether crew members should dive into water to try to save people.

The announcement came just a day after part-time sub-officer Paul Metcalf (pictured) drowned in a Holcombe lodge as he tried to save a teenage boy.

The brave 40-year-old bachelor became the first Greater Manchester County Fire officer to die on duty at the scene of an emergency incident.

But County Fire Officer George Almond confirmed no order had been issued from service headquarters, banning personnel from swimming out to people in trouble.

He said: "If someone's life is in danger we will make every effort we can to save them. The manner in which that rescue is undertaken depends on the view taken by the officer in charge who will use all his experience and knowledge."

Within hours of Mr Metcalf's death, an investigation was launched involving the police, fire brigade and health and safety executive.

Yesterday senior brigade chiefs told how Paul and his two colleagues swam out to a point where bubbles had been seen breaking the surface of the water close to where the youngster went in.

But Paul, who worked full-time as a joinery technician at Accrington and Rossendale College of Further Education, suddenly came into difficulties and slipped below the surface.

His workmates and a police officer eventually managed to haul him to shore.

Mr Almond also revealed that flags were to fly at half mast at all of the Brigade's 41 stations until Paul's funeral, as a mark of respect. Early yesterday Fire Investigation Officers and Health and Safety Executive officials were at the scene of the drowning as they tried to piece together the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

But Mr Almond insisted that no official procedures had been contravened during the attempted rescue.

"From my understanding of the situation, I believe that the procedures being followed were the correct ones," he said.

Four officers from the Fire Brigade are now involved in the special investigation.

ACO Paul Shrubb, who is leading the brigade's investigation team, told the Bury Times: "This is the first incident we have ever had where a firefighter has died at an incident.

"No stone will be left unturned in this investigation. We will act as a sponge, soaking up as much evidence as possible."

ACO Tony Proctor who heads Fire Safety and was at the scene of the incident, revealed he had to break the news to the family of Paul.

He said: "Obviously Paul's family were distraught, we will continue to support them over the coming days."

County Fire Officer Almond was due to visit Paul's mother Jacqueline and brothers and sisters yesterday afternoon.

He said: "It is something that I do not relish having to undertake, but myself and all my colleagues need to give his family all the support we can, and be assured we will do everything in our power to ease the burden."

Fire chiefs are appealing for any witnesses to the double drowning to come forward. Anyone with information should contact 0161 736 5866.

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