NEWS | Man travelled from Somerset to Worcestershire for River Severn stunt

Following an appeal after a man was videoed diving into the River Severn and swimming down river, a 36 year old man from Somerset has contacted police. He was formally interviewed in respect of offences for a Coronavirus Legislation Breach and a Breach of Public Order legislation relating to his actions of diving from the Main River Bridge of the River Severn into deep and dangerous flood water on Thursday 28 January. Following this interview the man has been issued with Fixed Penalty tickets under both legislations. 

Inspector Andrew Holliday said: “As a service we are acutely aware of the alarm and distress that the actions of this man has caused the local community. In part this is due to a number of incidents that have happened previously, both in this area and connected to the river. 

“We cannot state strongly enough that the river is a very dangerous place, at any time of the year, but especially at times when the river is so high and no one should enter the water for any reason to swim. 

“The Covid regulations clearly state that exercise is one of the permitted reasons for being away from your residence, however travelling form Somerset to Worcestershire for a stunt like this which was filmed by a friend of the man is not a permitted form of exercise, nor a reasonable reason to travel and just will not be tolerated whilst we as a community are in lockdown together.”