FIREFIGHTERS used an aerial platform ladder during the near five hour rescue of a woman and two dogs who had fallen from a cliff near Lakeside.

The incident happened around 7pm last evening (Friday, 9 August) close to Ikea, and the operation was witnessed by thousands of people arriving or leaving at the area's big retail sites and Lakeside shopping centre.

Crews from Essex Fire and Rescue stations at Grays, Orsett and Brentwood were joined by the service's Urban Search And Rescue team.

A statement from the service says: "Firefighters rescued a woman and dogs after they fell from a cliff edge near Heron Way, West Thurrock, when walking. 

"Crews were called to the scene at 7.17pm and worked alongside ambulance and police colleagues to rescue the woman. 

"Five crews worked together with paramedics to cut down brambles and debris to reach the woman and safely rescue her using a stretcher. She was left in the care of the Ambulance Service. 

One of the dogs that were recovered.

"Crews also worked to rescue two dogs at the scene. 

"Firefighters worked to make the scene safe before leaving at midnight."

Station Manager Adrian Richardson added: "We worked together with our ambulance and police colleagues using a range of rescue options to safely and swiftly rescue the woman from the scene.

"We wish her and her dogs a quick recovery."

An East of England Ambulance Service statement added: " An ambulance, ambulance officer vehicle, the Hazardous Area Response Team and a response team from the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance were sent to the scene, where they were assisted by the Police and Fire and Rescue Service.

"An adult woman was transported to Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital for further assessment and treatment. Her injuries are not throught to be life-threatening."