A boy who became stuck waist-deep in mud while trying to retrieve a football has been rescued by firefighters this afternoon.

The 11-year-old was pulled to safety after he started to sink on land in Iron Wharf shortly before 2.30pm.

Emergency crews raced to the scene and used specialist mud paths to reach the boy, who was handed to paramedics after the 45-minute rescue.

Ambulance spokesman Rich Airey said he was checked over at the scene, but despite being "a bit cold", was not injured and did not need to be taken to hospital.

Alan Gimes, boatyard manager at Iron Wharf, said: "There was a group of four or five lads playing about, but they went too far.

"The fire brigade were called and they took a little boat out to get the boy back. They were all covered in mud.

"The biggest issue would have been if the tide had started to come in.

"If that had happened time would have been of the essence and it would have been much more dangerous. You really have to be careful."

The incident has sparked a warning from fire crews for people to take extra care around lakes, coastal water and muddy areas.

Crew manager Kevin Ford from Sittingbourne fire station said: "We believe that the boy, who was playing football with a friend near the mud flats, became stuck when he slipped while trying to retrieve the ball.

"He was a bit cold when we rescued him, but fortunately he didn't need hospital treatment."

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