A man has been pulled from the River Medway hours after firefighters launched a campaign telling people to be careful near the water.

Police were called to a report of a man in the water near to the Chatham bus station on Globe Lane, off Dock Road.

The man, believed to be in his 30s, was chest deep in water and firefighters were able to rescue him using ropes.

He is being tended to by ambulance crews.

The Coastguard and Kent Fire and Rescue Service are also at the scene.

This morning, firefighters urged people to think before they drink alcohol near rivers as part of a new water safety campaign.

The Got Ducked, Fell In initiative is designed to highlight high risk, water rescue hotspots, while also identifying what safety equipment is in place at those locations, such as life rings or throw lines.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service group manager for community safety Leanne McMagon said: "No one should underestimate the danger of water - even the strongest of swimmers can struggle in underwater currents and also suffer from cold water shock, which triggers involuntary inhalation and can result in drowning.

"We want people to have fun this bank holiday weekend and enjoy the warmer weather, but please stay safe and don’t take unnecessary risks."