A MAN is reported to have jumped into the flooded river from Worcester bridge in nothing but his boxer shorts.

Police, fire crews and ambulances rushed to the scene, parking near the car park to Worcestershire County Cricket Club as boats circled on the river looking for him.

A witness described the jumper's friend filming the incident on his phone. "I said to his mate 'is he mad? At that point he jumped in" said Lesley Moore of Powick who was out taking her exercise when the drama unfolded.

"I thought they were having a prank. He was naked apart from his boxer's and he had bare feet. I just saw the big splash" the 63-year-old said.

She said the man swam in the direction of Worcester Cathedral. However, she said he was 'swimming strongly and didn't look like he was in trouble'.

Several police cars, ambulances and fire crews attended the scene and boats could also be seen on the water. Mrs Moore estimated the man was in his late 30s as was the man filming the incident.

A spokesman for West Mercia Police said: "We received reports at just before 1.15pm today that a man had entered the River Severn at Worcester Bridge in the centre of the city.

"It is believed he swam up the river towards Diglis where it is understood he got out of the water and then walked along Severn Street."

Inspector Andrew Holliday said: “Officers attended the river to try and locate the man along with the ambulance service and fire service. We would ask the man pictured to get in touch with us so that we are able to check his welfare and ensure his safety.”

A spokesman for the West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "We were called to reports of a patient in the water near to Worcester Bridge at 1.20pm.

"We sent one ambulance, two paramedic officers and our Hazardous Area Response Team to the scene. Following a search of the water, it became apparent the patient seen entering the water was now out, and we were stood down."