Bike thief drowns after diving off Plymouth harbour trying to escape police

A suspected bicycle thief has drowned after diving into the harbour in Plymouth in an attempt to evade police.

The man jumped into Sutton Harbour in Plymouth after being chased by officers called to reports of a theft nearby early this morning, Devon and Cornwall Police said. Words: PA

A force spokesman said: "The man was seen by members of the public to enter the water close to The China House pub around 6.30am.

"He became trapped between a disused fishing vessel and the harbour wall.

"Two lifeboats and the fire service water rescue team were deployed but were unable to reach the man due to his location."

The man's body was recovered by a Royal Navy dive team.

Police said they had referred the death to the Independent Police Complaints Commission and were trying to determine the man's identity.

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