Two people have been taken to hospital after being rescued from the sea at Blackpool. Police say a large search and rescue operation was launched after a 'number of individuals' got into difficulty near Central Pier during Monday's heatwave.
Sections of the seafront were closed off, with crowds gathering at the cordon, as the rescue unfolded. Several people were rescued, with two being taken to Blackpool Victoria hospital.
Read more: A melting road, buckling railways and a new record temperature as Greater Manchester feels the heat
Pictures from the scene show an air ambulance landed close to Central Pier. Police and coastguards were also seen in large numbers on the sand.
A Lancashire Police spokesperson said: "We were called at 5.54pm today, by North West Ambulance Service, reporting a number of individuals had got into difficulty in the sea near to Blackpool’s Central Pier. It is believed that all persons have been rescued, two have been taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital where their treatment is ongoing."
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