Suspected bike thief dies after leaping into harbour during police chase

A suspected bicycle thief has died after leaping into Sutton Harbour in Plymouth while apparently running from police. The man was being chased by officers called to reports of a theft in the area, Devon and Cornwall Police said. He became trapped between a disused fishing boat and the harbour wall after diving into the water.

The man was seen by members of the public to enter the water close to The China House pub around 6.30am. Two lifeboats and the fire service water rescue team were deployed but were unable to reach the man due to his location.

Police spokesman

A Royal Navy dive team recovered the body from the water. Police said they were now working to establish the man’s identity. The death has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

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