A MASSIVE search operation was launched after suspected thieves jumped into the River Ouse to escape police.

The pursuit began yesterday lunchtime when police received reports three men had been disturbed while stealing copper cable from a yard in Barlby Road, Selby.

Police were told the suspects made off in a green Isuzu Trooper in the direction of York at about 12.20pm with about half a tonne of copper cable.

With help from a member of the public, officers caught up with the vehicle in Barlow and chased the suspects, who abandoned the car and headed towards the River Ouse on foot.

A police helicopter was drafted in from West Yorkshire to help with the search and the fire service’s rescue boat was also called on after two of the suspects jumped into the river.

Officers located the men at about 2.35pm on the riverbank and after a short pursuit caught and arrested them.

A police dog and about 20 police officers were involved in the operation, including road policing officers, the safer neighbourhood team and response officers. Inspector Richard Abbott said:

“Thanks to information received from a member of the public we managed to locate the suspects and thankfully the incident was brought to a swift and successful conclusion. This was a great example of how the public and the police can work together to ensure offenders are not given an easy ride. I am very pleased by the tenacious response of our officers and our partners from neighbouring forces and the fire service who managed to apprehend the suspects despite the hazardous situation they were faced with.”

• A 21-year-old man, a 19-year-old man and a 32-year-old man, all from the Barnsley area were arrested.