A MAN rescued unconscious from the River Lemon on Saturday remains in a stable condition in Plymouth’s Derriford Hospital.

The 66-year-old casualty from Newton Abbot is thought to have stumbled and fallen into the river from a disused access bridge between the Asda superstore and Baker’s Park on Saturday at about 10.15am.

Firefighters who plucked him to safety some 20 minutes after the accident have praised the prompt actions of off-duty Asda worker and former soldier Terry Wotton, from Kingsteignton.

He jumped into the river and held the fall victim’s head above water for at least 15 minutes until the emergency services arrived to lift him out of the water, not far from where tragic teacher Nick Mutton jumped in three years ago in a desperate attempt to save his dog.

Mr Wotton was on a shopping trip with his wife Laura and son Oliver when he saw the pensioner in the river and waded in to help as best he could.

Firefighters in dry suits used ladders and specialist rescue equipment to haul the man out of the water on a stretcher and on to dry land.

He was then rushed by ambulance to Torbay Hospital before being transferred to Derriford.

Police initially described his injuries as life-threatening. But his condition yesterday afternoon was described as stable.

Fire officers have thanked Mr Wotton for his selfless, lifesaving actions.

‘His actions undoubtedly saved this man’s life. He did very well,’ said a spokesman after the rescue.