Quick action by members of the public helped save the life of a pensioner whose car crashed through promenade railings and into the River Mersey.

Police were called to the junction of Egremont Promenade and Caithness Drive at 2.40pm on Wednesday following reports a car had breached safety barriers and ended in the river.

Two utility workers witnessed crash the and waded into the river - which was at high-tide with conditions described as treacherous – and freed the 86-year-old woman from the vehicle.

She was taken to Liverpool's Royal hospital suffering chest injuries.

Detective Chief Inspector Tracy Hayes from Wirral command team praised rescuers’ bravery.

“I would like to pass on the police's thanks to two members of public, utility company workers, whose quick-thinking and brave actions prevented the car from going deeper into the water, and to the officers who were first at the scene and whose bravery led to the motorist being freed from the water at high tide and in treacherous conditions," she said.

Detective Chf Insp Hayes continued: "Patrols were quickly on scene and, together with members of the public, managed to prevent the car from becoming submerged further and to free an elderly local woman who was at the wheel.

"She has been taken to hospital for a thorough medical assessment and her family have been informed.”

The road was cordoned off while emergency services worked to recover the car.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call Merseyside Police on 101.

View our video gallery from the scene below.