A COASTGUARD team rescued three people who appeared to be drunk only for some of them to be “abusive” to police and paramedics.

Newhaven Coastguard spotted the two men and a woman in the water at Denton Island and deployed their team to assist yesterday evening at 5.15pm.

Police and ambulance attended as well as a passing fireman to assist with the rescue.

A spokesman for Newhaven Coastguard said: “The persons got out of the water but it was apparent that they were very intoxicated.

“Police were requested because of the condition of the casualties. Once on scene some of the casualties were abusive to the Police and Ambulance staff.

“After a short time and refusing medical assistance everyone left the scene so all units stood down.”

In another incident nearby an 18-year-old man had his skateboard thrown into the River Ouse by an older man.

He was then pushed into the water by the offender and managed to get out – but it is unclear if this incidents are linked.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “Shortly afterwards police and coastguards were called to another incident nearby where a woman and two men were in the water.

"All three appeared to be drunk and were pulled from the water.”