Three men die after becoming trapped in 4x4 in Yorkshire river

Another man who was trying to save those inside the stricken vehicle was pulled to safety from the river and has been receiving medical treatment.

Friday 29 December 2023 20:23, UK

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Three men who were inside a 4x4 that plunged into a river have died, police say.

Firefighters pulled the vehicle from the River Esk near Glaisdale on the North York Moors this afternoon.

Another man who attempted to save those inside the 4x4 was pulled to safety from the river and has been receiving medical treatment.

Next of kin are currently being informed and more information will be released in due course, North Yorkshire Police said in a statement.

It comes as the UK continues to feel the effects of Storm Gerrit, with flood warnings in place across the country.

Emergency services were called at 11.48am to the serious incident, and air support was also scrambled to assist.

Police urged any witnesses to come forward.

They also warned that roads around the River Esk are "particularly badly affected".

Two more incidents, in nearby Houlsyke and Hambleton, cars became stuck in flood water, the force said.

Fortunately the occupants of both vehicles were brought to safety.

Nearby resident Chris Ford was called to the scene to help recover the vehicle with his tractor, and told reporters the car was fully submerged.

Mr Ford added those inside the car were part of an off-roading group.

"There was a ford they were going over and they were swept down 400 yards," he said.

"They were part of an off-road club.

"I went down with my tractor. There was a couple of vehicles - one parked up.

"You couldn't see the (other) vehicle. It was 3ft beneath the water.

"I helped get it out on to the riverbank with three other tractors."