This seven-month-old baby girl was rescued by a heroic old-age pensioner who did not hesitate to jump into a river in Brazil after the youngster fell in when her mum slipped on some mud while avoiding a car on a bridge she was crossing.

The incident took place on a bridge over the Sao Manoel River, in the municipality of Mutum, which is located in the south-eastern Brazilian state of Minas Gerais on Tuesday afternoon (22nd December).

Witnesses quoted in local media said that the baby’s mother had been crossing the bridge when she slipped in some mud while trying to dodge a car that was passing by. As can be seen in one of the images, there is very little room for both vehicles and pedestrians to use the bridge at the same time.

She lost her balance and her baby, who has been named as Ana Julia Rodrigues in local media reports, fell into the river.

The old-age pensioner, who has been named in local media as retired bricklayer Joao Marinho, 60, was passing by and did not hesitate to jump into the water despite having difficulty moving his arms.

He successfully saved the child, and a witness, who preferred not reveal their name, said: “He went to the riverbank, handed the baby over and said ‘now you need to get me out of here, I’m starting to get cramps’.”

The baby was taken to a hospital with a few bruises before being treated and released. She did not suffer any significant injuries and her health is not thought to be in any danger.

Locals have complained about a lack of security on the bridge in the area, and the town council has said that it will send a team to assess the situation.