THE man who miraculously survived when he fell 70ft from Chirk Aqueduct is now recovering from his injuries.

Marc Gray-Coles, who is believed to be in his twenties, was airlifted to hospital in Liverpool by an RAF search and rescue helicopter after the incident on Saturday morning at the landmark structure which carries the Llangollen Canal over the River Cieriog.

North Wales Police say they are investigating the incident.

Two crews from West Midlands Ambulance Service were called to the scene on the Wales/Shropshire border at 6.20am where they say the casualty had suffered pelvic and back injuries.

They in turn called in a search and rescue helicopter from RAF Valley on Anglesey which flew him to Aintree Hospital In Liverpool.

The Leader understands Mr Gray-Coles is now recovering from his injuries.

Over the past few days a number of his friends have been sending him get-well messages on Facebook.

Mr Gray-Coles said he did not wish to go into details about his experience, but confirmed he was the person involved.

He thanked his family, friends and Facebook users for their support and good wishes.

Chief Inspector Mark Pierce, of North Wales Police, said: “We are looking into the circumstances surrounding the incident and cannot comment further at this stage.”

A number of people in the area saw the shocking incident.

Among them was George Lowry, from Great Sutton in Cheshire, who was on a visit to the area.

He said: “There was a bright yellow search and rescue helicopter.

“I saw it rising above the trees as it left the field near the aqueduct.

“Someone else watching said a man had fallen into the river but I didn’t actually see what had happened.”

Saturday’s incident came just two days after the body of a 52-year-old man was found at the foot of nearby Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on Thursday of last week.