A training exercise saw three fire engines called to rescue two casualties who were trapped in a sewer.

About 14 firefighters were called to rescue the victims trapped and overcome by fumes in Dartford.

Fire crews from Thames-side and Ash-cum-Ridley responded to the simulated 999 call at Leigh Academy in Green Street, Green Road.

Teams climbed into a replica of a sewer system - a 70 metre long ventilation tunnel - as part of their confined-space rescue training.

Crew manager, Julie Taylor from Thames-side fire station, said: “We train to use our crews and the kit in any situation where they can make a difference and potentially save lives.

“This involves working in confined and inaccessible places, but they do pose a unique set of challenges. It can be harder for rescue teams to reach the scene, when faced with areas where they can only just stand or have to crawl. It can also be difficult to maintain adequate communication with colleagues at ground level. The restricted space presents one of the biggest issues, especially when it involves walking at least 70 metres along narrow tunnels carrying those injured up to safety.”

With limited visibility the crews searched for the ‘injured’ pair, before making an improvised stretcher with part of a short extension ladder.

Both casualties were carried to the bottom of the sewer shaft.

Meanwhile, firefighters above ground set up an improvised framework from short extension ladders to winch both casualties out of the sewer to safety.

The rescue took approximately two hours to compete.

Julie added: "Being a firefighter is so much more than putting out fires and cutting people out of car crashes. We have to expect the unexpected, there is no typical day for us."