An assault suspect who jumped into the River Avon in Bath while running away from police had to be rescued from the icy water.
Officers were called to Windsor Bridge Road at around 2.30am on Friday, December 14, after a taxi driver reported that he had been assaulted.
The culprit had fled the scene, but police officers soon found him in the river.
They used torches to light up the area and kept the man talking, but noticed he was panicking and at risk of becoming hypothermic in the cold water.
A rope was used to pull him from the river, with the officers taking care not to fall into the water themselves because of the treacherous, water-logged bank.
The 20-year-old suspect, who was from Bristol, was taken to the Royal United Hospital for treatment and later arrested on suspicion of assault by beating and criminal damage.
He has been released on bail pending further inquiries.
Chief Superintendent Andy Williams, temporary head of Avon and Somerset Police's operations department 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."
Details of the incident have only been made public this week.
