A NORTHWICH man has been arrested on suspicion of drug offences and drink driving after climbing into the river Weaver to escape police.

At around 9.40pm on Monday, September 5, officers on patrol in Northwich town centre stopped a black Audi A1 which was been driven 'suspiciously'.

The driver of the car – a 24-year-old man - stopped at the scene but made off from officers on foot near to Town Bridge, Watling Street.

The man subsequently climbed into the River Weaver in an attempt to evade police.

Officers made a search of the area, and the man was located by officers and rescued from the river by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

A spokesperson for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed: “Swift water rescue firefighters rescued a casualty from the water in Northwich.

“Two swift water rescue technicians entered the water with a raft and were able to reach him with a throwline.

“He was taken to the bank and handed into the care of ambulance staff.”

The man was subsequently taken to Leighton Hospital in an ambulance for further checks.

A North West Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We were called to the incident at 9.47pm and sent an ambulance and an advanced paramedic to the scene.

“A male patient was taken to hospital following the incident.”

The driver has since been arrested on suspicion of drink driving and possession of class A drugs.