SAFETY at a popular reservoir has been called into question after a family of three had to be rescued when they sunk waist deep in mud.

David and Alison Mitchell, together with their young son, were pulled out by firefighters when they got stuck in the mud at Elton Reservoir.

It is understood the mud banks were exposed when water levels were dropped at the reservoir to allow for repairs to a dam wall.

The incident, at about 11am on Saturday, happened when the family’s dog ran off the path and was followed by the boy.

Mrs Mitchell then ran after the child, and within minutes, both of them were stuck waist deep in mud.

Mr Mitchell managed to walk safely to them, but he was unable to pull them out. He stayed with them until firefighters arrived.

A specialist water rescue team had to use a 20-metre inflatable pathway to reach them.

The alarm was raised by 48-year-old Darren Nield, of Haslam Hey Close, Lowercroft, who was walking his dog.

He called the emergency services and tried to calm the family.

An Elton Sailing Club member, who asked not to be named, said: “The water level started dropping in about mid July.

“This is the lowest I have ever seen it. Signs warning about the mud have been put up, but you cannot see them if you come from the other side.

“Some people just ignore them anyway, and you can go from being on a firm patch of ground to a soft patch in the blinking of an eye.

“It is going to get worse because the water level is still dropping.”

The reservoir is managed by British Waterways, but no one was available to comment.