A HUGE pontoon broke free from a Glasgow footbridge and floated down river, forcing workers at a nearby bridge to flee scaffolding amid fears it could crash into them.

Strong currents and rising water levels are thought to have caused the structure - being used by contractors dismantling the 'unsafe' Polmadie footbridge - to become dislodged.

It sparked an evacuation of workmen on scaffolding at Albert Bridge, which is currently being renovated.

The section of pontoon was spotted by George Parsonage, of the Glasgow Humane Society, who patrols the river.

He said the platform - one of 11 or 12 sections bolted together - came floating round the bend near the St Andrews suspension bridge shortly after 12.30pm.

It headed towards Albert Bridge, which is currently being renovated, where George, 71, raced to warn workers to get off the scaffolding in case it crashed into them.

Most of the rest of the pontoon became lodged against King's Bridge, where it is currently situated.

George said it was hoped it would stay secure there overnight and said there was nothing anyone could do tonight.

"We got the workmen off the platform at Albert Bridge and everyone is safe," he said.

"We have alerted Clydeport about the pontoon which is heading down the river."

A third, much smaller section of the pontoon remains at Polmadie Bridge where it is "secured as best it can be," George said.