Dramatic scene witnessed by onlookers at lunchtime on Tuesday

A man who jumped off Putney Bridge at lunchtime today, March 19, has been rescued by emergency services and taken to hospital in a stable condition.

The drama began around 1pm when horrified onlookers saw the man jump from the bridge into the river.

As emergency services were called to the scene, people began tweeting in disbelief about what was happening.

Dean O'Reilly, @deanoreilly tweeted: " Guy jumps off Putney bridge in the cold right now &casually swims dwn river like its nothing fire engines and ambulances on scene."

Alicia Robinson, @aliciarobinson1 said: " Think a body has been found in the Thames near Putney Bridge, 2 helicopters, 2 rescue boats."

The man was in the water some time, apparently attempting to swim eastwards, but was finally fished out by rescue teams close to Putney rail bridge and lifted onto the shore at Hurlingham Mansions in Fulham.

Around 3pm police said that the man was on his way to hospital in a stable condition.

We'l bring you more on this story as we receive it.

March 19, 2013