TWO people have been arrested on suspicion of wasting police time following a full-scale emergency services operation costing taxpayers thousands of pounds.

Firefighters scoured the River Tone in Taunton on Monday (February 8) after a 999 called claimed to have seen a man falling in during the height of Storm Imogen.

They launched a dingy in the dangerous fast flowing waters, while ambulance crews were on standby and police officers were assisted by the force's helicopter during the two-hour drama.

An Avon and Somerset spokesman said today (Wednesday, February 10): "We’ve arrested a 20-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of wasting police time.

"It follows an incident on Monday in which we searched the River Tone at Taunton after we were told someone was missing in the water.

"The police helicopter was deployed and other emergency services also attended for approximately two hours.

"Both have been released on police bail until February 29 pending further enquiries."

Somerset County Gazette: