A MAN was rushed to hospital after falling into a stretch of canal in Leigh over the weekend.

Residents reported that police and the emergency services were seen at Leigh Bridge, between King Street and St Helens Road at around 11pm on Saturday, December 2.

On social media, residents explained that a man fell into the freezing canal and had to be helped out of the water before the emergency services came. 

The residents are also reported to have covered the man with blankets to keep him warm and stayed with him until the emergency services arrived.

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Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that a man fell into the stretch of canal and was taken to hospital where he received treatment for non-life threatening injuries.

It was further confirmed that he was discharged a short time later.

The incident comes a few days after two men died after falling into the Leeds to Liverpool canal around Crankwood Road, between Abram and Leigh.

This incident was described as a "tragic accident" with a 49-year-old man with special needs and his carer dying after emergency services pulled them from the water.