Late-night swimmer arrested
2:38pm Saturday 8th October 2011
A MAN has been arrested for wasting police time after swimming in the River Colne at night.
Officers and coastguards rushed to the man's aid at about 8.30pm on Friday following reports that someone was in the River Colne near Rowhedge.
But the 41 year-old man was just swimming, and was arrested by officers for wasting police time.
Police say the man, who is believed to have mental health issues, has been a problem for officers in the area before.
A spokesman said: “Officers arrived to find him swimming in the river. They obtained a small boat and rowed out to him.
“He was arrested and later questioned by officers at Colchester police station.”
Clacton lifeboat and Mersea coastguards also attended. The man was checked by paramedics at the scene.