Chief 'proud' of flood-death crew

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A fire chief has defended the crews who tried in vain to save a man trapped in grating in raging floodwaters in Hull.

Mike Barnett, 28, was trapped by the foot in neck-high water in Hessle for four hours, until he eventually died from hypothermia.

His family has said not enough was done by the rescuers to save him.

Humberside's Fire Chief Frank Duffield said his crews acted with little regard for their own safety and he was proud of their actions.

Mr Barnett's father, also called Mike, said earlier the emergency services were "virtually arguing" about what to do.

He told Sky News: "They could've pulled him out and even if it had broken his leg or pulled his foot off, at least he'd be alive."

The very crews that attended this scene continued to work tirelessly throughout that night and went on to rescue 58 persons who were at severe risk Chief Fire Officer Frank Duffield <a class="" href="either url here">Flood victim left to die</a>

In a statement, Mr Duffield said: "I can... confirm that each and every member of the emergency services who attended that day acted in a dedicated and professional manner with little regard for their own safety whilst desperately trying to save Michael's life.

"This situation was exceptional in that millions of tonnes of rain water fell on the City of Hull within a few hours and the incidents attended by our firefighters were unprecedented in their scale and nature.

"The very crews that attended this scene continued to work tirelessly throughout that night and went on to rescue 58 persons who were at severe risk.

"I am extremely proud of the actions of not only the crews who attended this incident but also every member of my organisation who did and indeed are continuing to do everything within their power to ensure the safety of the community during this difficult time."