Emergency services were on the scene of a welfare incident close to a waterway near Oxford into the night. 

The incident occurred at around 8.50pm last night (Tuesday, October 22) as Thames Valley Police and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service raced to Iffley Lock.

Five police cars and eight fire service vehicles including fire engines were around the lock and the neighbouring Mill Lane and Adderbury Road.

Thames Valley Police confirmed this morning that the reason behind the callout was a fear for welfare call which concerned a woman in her 50s.

READ MORE: Major incident as FIVE police cars and EIGHT fire vehicles descend on lock

Firefighters at the nearby Adderbury Road.Firefighters at the nearby Adderbury Road. (Image: Newsquest)

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “At around 8.50pm officers attended Iffley Lock to reports of a fear for the welfare of a woman in her 50s.

“Officers attended the scene and were on scene for some time.

“With support from Oxfordshire and Fire and Rescue and South Central Ambulance Service the woman was safely taken to the hospital.

“The woman did not enter the water at any time.”

The fire service confirmed this with vehicles being seen leaving the site close to Iffley Lock just after 11pm.

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A spokesperson for Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called at 9.17pm on Tuesday, October 22, sending three fire engines (one from Slade fire station and two from Rewley Road fire station) and a rescue vehicle from Kidlington to Iffley Lock.

“An adult female was walked to safety from the riverside to the care of the ambulance service.

“Crews left the scene at 11.11pm.”

A South Central Ambulance Service spokesman said: "We sent one ambulance to support and took a patient to hospital, but it wouldn’t be appropriate to share background of the issue."  

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