A MAN wanted for two offences jumped into the canal in Middlewich to escape police - but was caught after leaving wet footprints outside his hideaway.

Pc Roger Need and PCSO Liz Chesters were on foot patrol along the canal at around 3pm yesterday afternoon when they spotted the suspect.

Whilst officers tried to stop him, the man jumped into the water and ran off after clambering onto the other side of the canal bank.

In a tweet, Middlewich police officers said: "Due to local knowledge from the community officers, an address was checked nearby where wet footsteps were found leading up to the door.

"The male was located inside and arrested.

 

 

"We would also like to thank residents, who whilst the officers were searching for the male helped by giving the direction he made off in.

"This is a great example of local community policing stopping criminals from being in our town."

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said a warrant had been issued for the man for two charges of failing to appear in court for breach of a court order.

The man is due to appear at Crewe Magistrates Court today.