The search is on for a young man who earned the title of hero after he rescued a child from a river in Ripon.

A witness told the Stray Ferret that a girl slipped into the River Skell around 4pm yesterday afternoon.

The high water soon took the girl downstream – but, at that moment, a young man rushed out of the pub towards the water. He waded through the strong currents and managed to reach the girl before he pulled her out and saved her life.

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Sara Peirson was at The Water Rat pub watching the River Skell at about 4pm yesterday when she noticed the girl slip into the water.

Mrs Peirson told the Stray Ferret:

“I think that he is a hero, he was completely selfless. The river was very full yesterday, it was a surging current. But he didn’t think about that. He just jumped straight in and grabbed her. I spoke to him afterwards but he brushed it off.”

The search is now on for the man who rescued the girl. Mrs Peirson described him as no older than 20.

She would like the nameless hero to get recognition for his efforts in saving the young girl’s life. Anyone who knows the young man should get in touch and send an email to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Second river rescue near Ripon

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue issued a water warning today after a second river rescue in North Stainley at about 6.45pm yesterday.

In the separate incident, a passer-by rescued a teenager who got stuck on a rock by the high currents after playing in the water. Her rescuer used life jackets to bring the teenager to safety.

A spokesman for the service said:

“Whilst open water can look tempting on warm days, it can be full of hidden dangers including strong currents and vegetation or objects that you can get caught up in. If you see someone in difficulty in open water you should call 999.”