A SAFETY warning has been issued after two men were saved after sinking waist-deep in mud in the Thames.

The Port of London Authority (PLA) has called for people to take care following the rescue in a joint operation between the coastguard and firefighters.

The pair, aged 45 and 28, were dragged from the mud near Battersea Bridge in central London, after an hour.

PLA health and safety adviser Gary Davies said: "The river and its foreshore have hidden hazards and must be treated with respect.

"It is not a pleasure beach and people should not go onto the foreshore unless they have a good reason and know what they are doing.

"For example, do not go on there if you have been drinking alcohol."

If you see someone in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.