TWO firefighters from Yelverton had to brave the icy waters of the River Tavy early yesterday morning.

Police reported a car had been driven off the quay at Lopwell Dam. Fire crews from Yelverton and Bere Alston rushed to the scene fearing somebody might be trapped underwater.

Firefighters Alan Brown and Tony Smith donned breathing apparatus, which although designed for fume-filled rooms is quite capable of submersion to about ten feet, and jumped in the water.

Mr Brown, speaking to the Times a couple of hours later, said: 'All that was showing was the rear window. We searched the car but there was nobody in it.'

He said the water was extremely cold and murky.

'I'm just getting the feeling back in my legs now, and I didn't have to get my head in the water like Tony,' he said

The car was recovered from the river and police are investigating. It is suspected the car was stolen.