A SWIMMER who jumped into a flooded Worcester river has handed himself in as the true scale of the rescue operation becomes clear.

As the swimmer handed himself in to police today, more details have emerged about the manpower needed for the search yesterday which tied up police, ambulance crews and firefighters, some for nearly two hours.

How we reported the incident

Around 20 firefighters (four crews) were dispatched to the scene and remained there for close to two hours as boats swept the river, searching.

Watch a video of the river drama

The swimmer, described as being in his 30s by one onlooker, jumped into the Severn from the main bridge and began swimming towards Diglis. In total four fire crews responded – two from Worcester, one from Evesham and one from Pershore. This included the Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service's water first responders plus the service drone from Ledbury after the call came in at 1.17pm. The incident was not closed until 3.07pm, close to two hours after the emergency call. It is believed the swimmer's friend filmed his foolhardy escapade. Lesley Moore of Powick spoke to the man with the camera, asking him: "Is he mad?"

The next thing the 63-year-old knew was the big splash when he jumped in feet first. A spokesman for West Mercia Police said: "Further to this appeal, the man in question has called in to identify himself and confirm he is thankfully safe and well. He will also now be interviewed by officers in the coming days."

Police parked near Worcestershire County Cricket Club patrolled the bank while the West Midlands Ambulance Service, called around 1.20pm, sent one ambulance, two paramedic officers and our Hazardous Area Response Team to the scene. A spokesman said: "Following a search of the water, it became apparent the patient seen entering the water was now out, and we were stood down."

Readers were divided over the swimmer's antics. Janet Rose wrote on the Worcester News Facebook page: "Playing with his life! The under current is deadly.... Let alone exposing himself to diseases which flood waters bring."

Amie Evis-Cannaway wrote 'insane' while Amanda Poole-Willis commented saying 'what a prat'.

But some sympathised with him. Sobia Afzal wrote: "Well, gym and swimming pools are shut. What is the poor man doing, just swimming in an open place? Let him do it. I'd vote for him."