Major emergency incident in Arundel explained as wanted man arrested

Dozens of emergency service personnel descended on Arundel this morning (Thursday, December 28) amid a search for a wanted man.

According to reports on social media, there had been a ‘large-scale search for a person in the water’ in the River Arun.

Multiple police officers, supported by the dog unit and drones, were joined at the scene by Coastguard and lifeboat crews.

A Coastguard helicopter has been pictured, whilst fire crews and ambulances have also been seen in the Arundel area.

A spokesperson for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: “HM Coastguard responded to a report of a person in the River Arun at Arundel.

"The alarm was raised at about 9.15am. The RNLI's inshore lifeboat from Littlehampton was sent as well as Littlehampton and Shoreham Coastguard Rescue Teams. The HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Lee-on-Solent was also sent.”

Sussex Police has since issued a statement.

A spokesperson said: “Police attended an address in Mill Lane, Arundel, at around 8.50am on Thursday, in order to locate a man wanted on recall to prison.

“While trying to arrest him, the man ran from the scene and a search was launched.

“The man was later arrested and is now in custody.

"Officers have thanked the public for their patience while they responded to this incident and have thanked West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, HM Coastguard and South East Coast Ambulance Service for their help.”