A TEENAGE boy put his life in danger after he jumped into a river to escape from police.

A TEENAGE boy put his life in danger after he jumped into a river to escape from police.

The incident started at about 5pm when three youths approached a 17-year-old and punched him in the face in Kings Head Walk, Chelmsford before stealing his mobile phone. He was taken to Broomfield Hospital and treated for a broken nose.

Police officers, including a dog unit, responded to the incident and three youths, aged 16, 17 and 18, were arrested.

In an effort to escape, one of the youths jumped into the river and was swept downstream by the current. He was eventually rescued with help from the Fire and Rescue Service.

Essex Police's superintendent Jed Stopher said: “Whatever might be the outcome of the investigation this young man put his own life at risk when he jumped into the river when it was in full flood. He was lucky to survive and I think that this should serve as a warning to the wider public about the dangers of entering unknown water.”