This dramatic footage shows police aircrew rescuing a large group of boy scouts that got stranded after heavy rains made the nearby river rise and block their way out of the thick forest.

The rescue efforts reportedly took place at the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, in the US state of New Mexico – where the group of 16 kids and nine adults was camping out.

Heavy rainfall swell up the nearby river – presumably the Gila River, which runs through the national park – which cut off all the available roads and left the campers stranded.

Newsflash obtained the footage from the New Mexico State Police, along with a short statement that said: “New Mexico Search and Rescue was called and a SAR was initiated.

“The stranded scouts were located and helicopters from New Mexico State Police and the New Mexico National Guard hoisted all 25 to safety.”

In the footage, rescuers from inside the helicopter can be seen airlifting the campers and pulling them in
for safe boarding as the raging river gushes across the ground underneath.

The statement added: “Once hoisted onto the helicopters, the scout troop was taken to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Visitor Center where they were reunited with their families. “

No injuries were reported.