EMERGENCY services were called to Watchet’s historic Packhorse Bridge on Monday afternoon (June 15) after a man in his 90s was seen to fall from the bridge in Mill Street into the Washford River.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: “Police, fire, and ambulance crews, Coastguard, and air ambulance attended but despite their best efforts, sadly, the man died.

“His next of kin are aware and have our sympathy.”

Mill Lane, which runs alongside the river, was closed as Coastguards used ladders to reach the man, who was handed over to paramedics.

Neighbours said the man, who used a walker and was known to have sight problems, was regularly seen on an afternoon walk.

A file will be prepared for the Somerset Coroner.