Death of man pulled from river at Saltaire was 'very sad'

A 45-year-old man was pulled from the River Aire near The Boathouse pub next to Roberts Park just after 2pm on Saturday.

Emergency services, including the fire service, ambulance service and police, were all called to the scene.

The man was transported to Bradford Royal Infirmary but died later in hospital.

Emergency services were called to Saltaire on Saturday to reports of a man in the water (Image: UGC)

The police launched an investigation into the incident and today told the T&A the death "is not being treated as suspicious".

In an official statement, a spokesperson for the West Yorkshire Police said: "The death of the man in the river at Saltaire is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner in due course."

Councillor Martin Love (Green, Shipley) said: “It’s a very, very sad incident and I’d ask anyone who witnessed it to come forward and assist police in the enquiries.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the family concerned.

“It’s just so very sad.”

Cllr Love also spoke of his concern for people who would have witnessed the tragedy.

He said: “Roberts Park would have been very busy on Saturday with the nice weather.”

In an official statement early on Monday, West Yorkshire Police confirmed the man had died in hospital.

Earlier today, a police spokesperson had said: "A man who was pulled from the river at Saltaire on Saturday afternoon has sadly died in hospital.

"The 45-year-old’s family have been made aware.

"His death is currently being treated as unexplained whilst an investigation continues.

"Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident."

A spokesperson for the Yorkshire Ambulance Service said on Saturday: "We were called by the fire service at 2.20pm to reports of a male in the water.

"We sent two ambulances, team leader and rapid response vehicle to the scene and conveyed one patient to Bradford Royal Infirmary."

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said three crews rushed to the scene - two from Bradford and one from Bingley.

They added: "One casualty was removed from the water by crews and transported to hospital."

One person, who was at The Boathouse at the time, said the man was "floating from upstream" and was "already face down in the water".

Another witness said: "Firemen pulled him out and gave him CPR.

"He was taken to hospital in an ambulance."

The person said that the entrance to Roberts Park and The Boathouse was closed while emergency services carried out investigation work.

Another person who was at the scene said the fire service, police and ambulance service were all at scene just after 2pm.

They said: "First response in the form of a fire commander and an initial pump arrived at 2.15pm.

"The area opposite the scene was cleared and bridge closed at approximately 2:35pm while resuscitation was attempted and a rescue took place.”