Man rescued after falling into castle moat

A man has been rescued by firefighters after falling into a castle's moat.

The man fell from a bridge 15ft (4.5m) into the moat at Portchester Castle near Portsmouth on Sunday shortly before 19:00 BST.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire Service said crews from four stations worked to reach and rescue the man at the English Heritage site.

The fire service said he had been taken into the care of South Central Ambulance Service after being lifted from the moat.

David Bailey, head of historic properties at Portchester Castle said: "We were concerned to hear of an incident which took place outside the entrance to the castle after the castle had closed.

"Access to the area - the outer bailey - was possible at this time as an Evensong service was taking place at St Mary's Church.

"We understand that members of the public attempted to climb into the moat and the fire brigade were called for assistance."

English Heritage said the entrance to the castle is reached via a bridge over an empty moat and has fencing in place.