Suspect saved from ice-cold river

A man was saved from almost certain death after falling into an ice-cold river while trying to evade arrest.

Police in Bath were searching for the 20-year-old after receiving reports that a taxi driver had been assaulted.

They heard a splash and when officers forced their way through dense undergrowth on the riverbank they discovered the suspect in the river.

He had tried to evade them by running behind some industrial buildings and ended up in the river near the Windsor Road Bridge, shortly after 2.30am on December 14.

The man was spotted completely immersed in the unlit and freezing water and police used torches to light up the area and kept the man talking.

They noted he was panicking and saw the risk of him becoming hypothermic in the cold water.

The officers rescued the stricken man using a rope - taking great care because of the treacherous state of the rain-logged riverbank.

The man was pulled out of the water and immediately taken to the Royal United Hospital in Bath for treatment.

Chief Superintendent Andy Williams, from Avon and Somerset Police, said: "The rescue of the suspect was clearly very dangerous but through determination and professionalism, the officers from Bath police station and the road policing unit prevented his certain death. The incident is in line with the high traditions of the police service and demonstrates the great job our staff do on a daily basis."

A statement was taken from the taxi driver and the 20-year-old, from Bristol, was arrested on suspicion of assault by beating and criminal damage. He has been released on bail pending further inquiries.