Two rescued as 60 people gather at disused 'blue lagoon' quarry pool

Two people had to be rescued by firefighters during a bank holiday gathering at a disused quarry pool.

Police, paramedics and fire crews were sent to the "blue lagoon" at Shadwell Quarry near Much Wenlock where more than 60 people were reported to have congregated on Monday.

Two people were helped from steep cliffs by firefighters after getting themselves out of the water before being treated by paramedics, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service Service said.

One of the people, a 19-year-old man, suffered a suspected head injury after jumping into the lagoon, West Mercia Police said.

An air ambulance was also sent to the scene and police closed Farley Road, which the quarry is accessed from. It later reopened and several smaller groups were still gathered around the edge of the quarry in the evening.

Multiple cars believed to belong to people who had travelled to the quarry were parked on the road throughout the afternoon.

Under the current lockdown rules you are allowed to travel any distance to open spaces in England and there is no time limit on exercise or rest. However you are only allowed to meet one person from outside your household and must stay two metres apart due to social distancing rules.

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "At 16:23 SFRS Fire Control received a call reporting an incident classified as Water Rescue in Much Wenlock .

"Three fire appliances including the Incident Command Unit were mobilised from Shrewsbury, Telford Central and Tweedale. An Operations officer was in attendance.

"Two casualties were assisted from steep quarry banks to waiting ambulance crews ambulance crews.

"The stop message was received at 4.52pm."

The water in the basin of the quarry between Shrewsbury and Bridgnorth has been given a rich blue colour by the limestone that was quarried there.

Police regularly have to warn people against swimming in the pool which is dangerous due to its unknown depth, cold temperatures and the hidden ledges hidden beneath the water.

A West Mercia Police spokesman said: "At 4.20pm this afternoon police were informed a 19-year-old man was stuck after jumping into the blue lagoon quarry in Much Wenlock.

"Police attended along with the fire and ambulance services, including the air ambulance.

"He was subsequently brought to safety and treated by paramedics for a suspected head injury."

West Midlands Ambulance Service has been contacted for comment.