A MAJOR emergency services operation was in place today (Wednesday) after reports of a concern for safety of four children in the water at a nature reserve.

The police, fire service and ambulance service were all called to a concern for safety at Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve, on Ellland Road, Brighouse.

Four were playing in the water near a weir in the River Calder and concerns were raised about their safety because of strong currents.

A spokesperson for the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We received a call from police at 2.58pm today to Cromwell Bottom.

"Children were playing in the water near a weir. They climbed over a fence and were playing in shallow water. They was potential for them to be swept down the river.

"We had boats in the water carrying out a bankside search.

"Although it sounds drastic, it turned out to be a precautionary measure. They had got out of the water. No one was injured."

Rastrick, Huddersfield and Rothwell Fire Stations, including two water rescue units, also responded to the scene.

The ambulance service confirmed it was four children and that it was a concern for safety due to the strong currents in the river.

A spokesperson for Yorkshire Ambulance Service said: "We received a call just before 3.30pm today to raised concerns for four children seen paddling in the water at Cromwell Bottom.

"A number of fire service resources were at the scene and two ambulances were dispatched.

"We checked the children over and they were fine.

"It was a concern for safety because it is known that there are strong currents in the water."