Bristol car plunges into River Avon leaving one dead Published duration 20 October 2012

image caption The silver BMW car crashed through barriers on St Phillips Bridge in Bristol

A woman has died and eight others, including six police officers, were taken to hospital after a car careered off a bridge into a river in Bristol.

The silver BMW car crashed through railings and into the River Avon from Passage Street at about 04:00 BST.

Six police officers dived into the water to help rescue those trapped and all received treatment in hospital.

A police spokesman said two people had been arrested and the road remained closed for investigations.

media caption Six police officers dived into the water to help rescue those trapped and all received treatment in hospital.

The car is thought to have hit the barriers on St Phillips Bridge and fallen 20ft (6m) into the water below.

Insp Paul Winship, from Avon and Somerset Police, said five people were travelling in the car.

He said: "At least six police officers dived into the river to effect a rescue. They rescued one male and one female. They are both currently helping us with our inquiries.

"Two further females are being interviewed as witnesses.

"We are obviously appealing for witnesses. It's a very busy part of Bristol even at four o'clock on a Saturday morning."