A prisoner, wanted for return to jail, reportedly jumped into the River Arun this morning, to avoid arrest by pursuing police.
Witnesses claimed a man had entered the water near the Arundel Wetland Centre, north of the town itself.
Images from the scene showed multiple emergency services attending, including Sussex Police, RNLI lifeboat crew, SECAmb ambulance staff, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, and HM Coastguard Search and Rescue crews including a helicopter.
According to police, the incident began in Mill Lane in the town around 8.50 this morning.
Officers said they sought to locate the man, wanted for recall to prison.
But, during an attempted arrest, the man fled the scene, leading to the search.
Police report he is now (mid-day) in custody, and have thanked members of the public for their patience as the incident unfolded.
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