THREE teenager girls could have perished in the River Mersey, warn firefighters.

Fortunately, they were spotted on the sandbanks of the estuary in West Bank by a police community support officer.

He shouted out to them and they managed to get safely back, but a major rescue had already been launched.

Brian Cadwallader, watch manager at Widnes Fire Station, said: “The tide was coming in and when it turns, there is a hell of a rip.

“These sands and muds are so unpredictable.

“All the emergency services had been mobilised at great cost, five fire engines and rescue boats.

“Luckily, a PCSO alerted the girls and they were coming through a hole in the fence in Mersey Road when we arrived.”

Details of the drama which happened on Monday, June 21, have just unfolded.

Firefighters are now visiting schools to warn children of the dangers of playing in the Mersey.

Mr Cadwallader, added: “In the hot weather, kids and adults need to cool down.

“In their naievety, these girls decided to walk out into the estuary.

“They are not aware of the mud banks and how unstable the sand banks are in the river. The estuary is tidal and the water comes in very quickly.

“We’re warning children not to go out into the Mersey. It is too dangerous.”