THE emergency services had an ‘extremely busy night’ over New Year, rescuing someone from the river in Worcester and arresting two burglars 'caught in the act'.

The fire service pulled the casualty from the river Severn near Severn Street, Worcester at 1.18am on New Year’s Day before the person was left in the care of an ambulance crew.

The challenges facing officers because of the level of demand were hinted at when their efforts were described as 'heroic' across Worcestershire by West Mercia's Local Policing Priority Team.

Officers from the team said it was this hard work which had kept 'the wheel on' during the busy New Year celebrations.

The team also said they were 'dealing with a considerable number of incidents' in Worcester, Evesham, Malvern and Droitwich.

A drink driver was arrested after they blew 68mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, nearly twice the legal limit in Bewdley which resulted in the driver spending the night in the cells.

Two burglars were also described by 'caught in the act' in Kidderminster. Both were arrested and placed in police custody. Officers also made an arrest for a domestic assault in the town.

Despite requests made for information about the number of arrests made and further detail about the type of incidents, none was forthcoming either from the police press office or the force duty inspector by the time the Worcester News went to press.

Similar requests for information regarding the volume of 999 calls received by the West Midlands Ambulance Service had also not received a response.

Supt Tom Harding of West Mercia Police said: “Well what an end to 2018. Last night was incredibly busy. Also, the first time I have ever had to press my emergency button while struggling to detain someone.”

ACC Martin Evans of West Mercia Police said: "It was an extremely busy night as expected in West Mercia last night during which time i saw consummate professionals all around the force just getting on with providing the best possible service they could to our communities."

Meanwhile, the British Transport Police has confirmed that a man and woman, both in their 50s, were taken to hospital following a suspected terror attack at Manchester Victoria Station on New Year's Eve.

The woman has injuries to her face and abdomen and the man has injuries to his abdomen. A BTP officer has a stab wound in his shoulder.

Their injuries are described as serious but not life-threatening.

A man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, officers said.

BTP Assistant Chief Constable Sean O'Callaghan said: "I am incredibly proud of the four officers who were immediately on scene last night, detaining a man who was wielding a knife. They were fearless, running towards danger and preventing further harm coming to passengers.

"Unfortunately however, one of our police officers suffered a stab injury to their shoulder and we're all relieved that this is not more serious. It is good news that he has now been discharged from hospital, we are all wishing him a speedy recovery."

The suspect was heard to shout "Allah" and "Long live the Caliphate!" during the incident.