THREE partygoers from a private adult members' club in Manchester city centre were injured when a wooden walkway collapsed and they fell 25ft into a river.

Firefighters and police were called to Corporation Street after a man and two women plunged into the River Irk, which was about 3ft deep.

It happened at Arch 2 - which hosts a fetish club once a month - though it is thought it was being used for a private function at the time of the incident during the early hours yesterday.

A woman in her 30s received head injuries not thought to be life-threatening and was taken to the Manchester Royal Infirmary.

Another woman, aged 32, and a man, 38, suffered minor injuries.

Firefighters carried a nine-metre ladder through the club to get to the river which is difficult to access.

Two officers changed into dry suits and assisted paramedics with the rescue.

A specialist inland water rescue team from Heywood were also called to the scene about 1.40am.

A spokesman for the fire service said: "With it being under the railway arches the only way to approach was by the river or through the club.

"The water was not very deep, though, so officers carried a nine-metre ladder through the club to gain access to the river."

The Arch, which is a privately owned venue, hosts a club night once a month which is called Manchester's Unbelievable Dungeon.

It is a members' club which caters for rubber, leather, exhibitionists and swingers featuring a well-equipped dungeon.

It is also used for private functions.

The River Irk begins near Royton and flows down through Middleton, Blackley and Collyhurst before entering the River Irwell.