A MAN who fancied a morning dip in the River Severn sparked concern from police and firefighters today.

The man, believed to be in his 30s, was seen swimming near to Newport Street at around 9.30am.

Minutes earlier, drivers had reported him weaving through rush-hour traffic, trying to stop cars.

By the time police arrived, he had plunged into the river and was swimming "quite freely", refusing to climb out.

Police and the fire brigade were called to South Quay and persuaded him to climb out - then issued a ticking off.

"He said he'd had a couple of drinks and fancied a swim, which he does on most mornings," said Kim Stain, Worcester police spokesman. "He's been suitably advised."