Car driven into River Trent as suspects attempt to evade police after incident at Holme Pierrepont

A car had to be pulled out of the River Trent this afternoon after two suspects tried to evade police.

Nottinghamshire Police were called to a report of two men acting suspiciously around vehicles at Holme Pierrepont.

Upon seeing police officers they drove off across rugby pitches and a public footpath before their car entered the river.

Both occupants managed to get out of the car unaided and were arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and dangerous driving.

The car floated off down the Trent about a hundred yards before it was recovered by Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The dramatic incident unfolded at around 12.35pm. Both occupants were taken to hospital as a precaution.

Inspector James Oliver, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Our investigation into this incident is ongoing and we’re appealing for anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area around the time to please contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 331 of 23 August 2020.”

Simon Lilley, City District Manager at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Crews from our London Road, Highfields and West Bridgford stations attended this incident. We used a powered rescue boat to retrieve the car from the river before it was handed over to our Nottinghamshire Police colleagues.”

Two suspects, aged 39 and 31, arrested in connection with the incident remain in police custody.