An Oxford student who jumped into the River Thames 'for a bet' is lucky to be alive, according to a senior firefighter.

The Oxford University biochemistry student leaped into the river at Folly Bridge, Abingdon Road, Oxford, after a night out with friends.

He was in the water for about 15 minutes before being rescued.

Ten firefighters and two police officers pulled him from the water and up an 8ft bank using a lifeline.

The incident, shortly before 1am on Saturday (November 9), was the third time that firefighters had been called to rescue people from the river in Oxford in less than three weeks.

Station Officer Grahame Mitchell said: "He jumped in for a bet. The river was swollen and was very fast flowing. If he'd been there any longer, he could have been swept away, and his body found later that day.

"The police had pulled a dead body from the canal just the day before."

On October 21, firefighters used a hydraulic platform to help a man who had fallen into the river near Folly Bridge. On October 22, a firefighter had to enter the river at nearby Skylark Close, to rescue a man in his 40s.

Mr Mitchell said: "Oxfordshire Fire Service advises people that at the moment rivers are very swollen and very cold, and no attempt should be made to either swim in the river or attempt a rescue.

"People should use caution when walking along the tow path -- especially in the dark."