​Lorry For Stephen Merchant's TV Series Falls Into Harbour

A production lorry for Stephen Merchant's new TV series The Outlaws has fallen into the harbour in Bristol, prompting a lengthy recovery process from emergency services.

The lorry plunged into Bristol Harbour in the city centre at 7.19am, and remained stuck in its partially submerged position - not far from where Edward Colston's statue was thrown into the water back in June 2020.

According to the BBC, the truck is owned by Wandering Star Facilities, which leased it for the production as it was being filmed in the city.

The outlet added that no one was injured in the incident, but that nearby boats have had to be evacuated and that cordons were put in place near the vehicle.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service confirmed three fire engines, a heavy rescue tender and a boat attended the scene this morning.

It said on Twitter: "Crews are attending an incident at Bristol Harbour. Crews were mobilised at 7.19am and on arrival, found a lorry submerged in the water.

"The driver has made it to safety. 3 fire engines, a heavy rescue tender & a boat are on the scene."

A production spokesperson for The Outlaws said the team were working on getting the lorry out of the water.

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They said: "An accident occurred involving one of our production vehicles. No-one was hurt or in the vehicle.

"We are investigating what happened and working on removing the vehicle as quickly and safely as possible."

However, Avon Fire and Rescue Service group manager Gareth Lloyd told the BBC that the recovery will be a long and technical task.

He said: "On arrival, crews found one HGV submerged in the water, the driver had already made it to safety.

"The lorry is now secure and firefighters remain on scene to assist the recovery company in removing the vehicle."

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Phil Worgan, who was staying on a boat nearby, recalled how he heard a big crash at the time.

Also speaking to the BBC, he said: "I thought someone was about to jump or was in the water, but when I looked, it was a truck."

He said a number of lorries had been at the site near Millennium Square for a few days, adding: "Apparently they were trying to hook it up and it just rolled in."

Topics: UK News, News, Bristol

Jess Hardiman

Jess is a journalist at LADbible who graduated from Manchester University with a degree in Film Studies, English Language and Linguistics - indecisiveness at its finest, right there. She also works for FOODbible and its sister page Seitanists, which are both a safe haven for her to channel a love for homemade pasta, fennel and everything else in between. You can contact Jess at [email protected].

@Jess_Hardiman