Police urge public to stay safe in bad weather

Devon and Cornwall Police are warning members of the public not to put themselves in danger and to keep away from flood relief, rivers, and streams as poor weather is predicted.

The advice comes after a man was pulled from a flood relief channel by a police officer and a member of the public in Exeter at around 3.00 a.m. on Saturday 15 December 2012. Fortunately, the channel was fairly empty with water only a couple of feet deep but the walls were 10 to 12 feet high making escape almost impossible.

The man was then taken to hospital by ambulance suffering with the effects of exposure to the elements.

A spokesperson for the force said “People will go out and celebrate this time of year and we would not want to prevent them from enjoying themselves.

“All we are asking is for people to stay away from dangerous places – the affects of bad weather combined with the affects of alcohol are bound to put the public at greater risk”.