THREE children were rescued from the Ravensbourne River in Lewisham last night, after they were swept away by the current.

The children, two girls and a boy, were spotted by the British Transport Police close to Brookmill Road.

While the girls managed to get themselves out of the water, the boy was picked up by rescue teams under a bridge downstream. All three were unharmed.

Water rescue teams were sent to the scene and posted further downstream by Creek Road, Deptford. A police helicopter was also called in to help locate the children.

The incident has prompted the London Fire Brigade to issue a warning to stay out of the water.

Laurie Kenny, Silvertown fire station manager, who was at the scene said: “The bad weather and higher water levels caused these three children to be swept off their feet.”

He warns that even shallow water can be highly dangerous, and advises people to steer clear of the water.