A MAN has been arrested for wasting police time after a full-scale search for a suspected missing swimmer.
Emergency services were called to a report of a missing swimmer off Madeira Drive, Brighton, at about 6.30pm on Monday, April 18.
Following an extensive search of the area near Brighton Palace Pier, it transpired this was a false report, police said.
The search included multiple police units, coastguard lifeboats and vehicles and the coastguard rescue helicopter.
An 18-year-old man from Luton has since been arrested on suspicion of wasting police time.
He remains in custody at this stage, pending further enquiries.
Detective Sergeant Toby Martin said: “This call prompted a multi-agency response which lasted several hours and caused genuine concerns in a very busy part of the city centre.
“It took police and partners away from attending genuine emergencies, and this sort of behaviour is completely unacceptable.
“I’d like to remind the public that purposely making a false report of this nature is an extremely serious offence and we will take robust action against offenders.”
Pictures taken from the scene show police, coastguard and other services undertaking a search operation.
A RNLI lifeboat was also photographed circling the pier, while a rescue helicopter flew overhead.
Coastguard and RNLI crews from Brighton, Hove, Shoreham and Newhaven were at the scene.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel