Mick Hartley

Jesus.

Police have rebuked bystanders for filming a man who was drowning in a river instead of trying to help.

North Yorkshire police were called on to save a man who got into difficulties near the Ouse Bridge in York last Thursday, and managed to rescue him with a life ring.

“[Officers] were glad to help … but something they saw made them concerned”, the force wrote in a Facebook post.

Crowds gathered on the bridge and along the river near by, with many people watching the man struggle to keep his head above water, but police said nobody attempted to save him.

“At least two floatation devices were accessible metres from the scene,” the force wrote.

“Fortunately, when we arrived we were able to quickly find a life ring and throw it to the man. Our two officers kept talking to him and ensured he could keep his head above water until the fire service boat arrived and pulled him out of the river.”