A FORMER soldier threw off his clothes and jumped into the River Severn to rescue a drowning man pleading for help.

Shaun Kealy dived in the river in the early hours of this morning.

The 20-year-old, from Warndon, was returning home from Bamboo nightclub when the incident happened around 2.30am.

"I was walking by the bridge and I saw a lad go in the river," said Mr Kealy.

"I heard him shout 'I can't swim', so I just took my clothes off and jumped in after him.

"He was swept away, but I managed to get to him and get him to the side by Brown's restaurant."

Mr Kealy, who lives in Grisedale Drive, said he would do the same again.

"I thought someone should go in and try to help him," said the former Worcestershire and Sherwood Forester.

"I don't know what came over me, but I don't know what would have happened if I hadn't done anything.

"I'd jump in again if someone was drowning."

He said the strong undercurrent probably caught the other man unawares.

"The river looked really still, but the undercurrent took me," said Mr Kealy.

"I didn't know what was going to happen so I just kissed the cross I wear round my neck and said 'God help me'."

All three emergency services were called to South Quay.

"There were three people in the river, but two were already out by the time we got there," said Sub Officer Shaun D'Oliveira of Worcester Fire Station's Green Watch.

"I believe two were walking along the parapets of the bridge and someone pushed one in.

"The second went in and a third went in to rescue the first.

"Walking along the parapet, you're asking for trouble.

"We've had a few call-outs in the past for people being in the river when we could be out at more serious incidents."

Worcester police said a man had been arrested and charged with a public order offence.

l Are you the man rescued by Shaun Kealy? If so, call the newsdesk with your story on 01905 748200.