EMERGENCY crews descended on the River Thames after a canoeist got into trouble in the water.

Police, fire and ambulance personnel were called to reports of someone in need of rescuing near Wallingford on Friday night.

Rescue boats and the police helicopter were said to be involved in the search, but the canoeist was eventually found safe on the riverbank.

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said the force was called to a 'fear for welfare incident' involving a man in his 30s, adding: "The matter was resolved safely."

The fire service has reminded people of the dangers of hidden currents and cold water shock.

ALSO READ: Council issues wild swimming warning for Oxford

Posting on Facebook yesterday evening, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We sent fire engines...along with our colleagues from Thames Valley Police and South Central Ambulance Service to reports of someone in need of rescue in the River Thames near Wallingford.

"Wearing dry suits and flotation equipment, our rescue boat teams entered the water to conduct a search.

"We found an empty canoe but happy to report the occupant had managed to make their way out of the river onto the bankside."

The post added: "Please bear in mind that even on a warm day the water will be very cold and there may be hidden currents under the surface."

ALSO READ: Police and ambulance rescue man from River Ock

Crews from Didcot, Wallingford, Kidlington and Reading's Caversham Road fire stations attended.

Residents posting on a public Facebook page reported seeing a large emergency service presence at about 9.30pm.

One person, who said they seemed to be looking in the river, said there were 'loads of police and fire and police helicopters flying around Cholsey and Wallingford.'

They said the response was concentrated near the bridge between Wallingford roundabout and Benson. 

The fire service and other authorities have repeatedly issued warnings this summer about the dangers posed by Oxfordshire's rivers.