EMERGENCY services were called to an Ellesmere Port canal when two men entered the water in an attempt to evade police after stealing a car.

South Pier Road was closed off this afternoon and a number of fire engines, including a search boat and an aerial platform, were sent to the scene.

The fire service boat was seen entering the Manchester Ship Canal having been placed on standby.

Police have now confirmed that a BMW had been stolen from an address on the Wirral and was later abandoned in Ellesmere Port.

Two men fled the scene and entered the canal.

But after officers received assistance from a nearby boat, they were able to arrest two males - aged 25 and 28 - on Stanlow Island.

Fire service assistance was not required in the end.

Chester and District Standard:

A spokeswoman for Cheshire Constabulary said: "At 12.36pm on Wednesday 18 August, Cheshire Police received reports of a BMW, which had been stolen from an address in Wirral, travelling on the M53.

"The vehicle was subsequently found abandoned in the Indigo Road area of Ellesmere Port.

"Two people were seen leaving the vehicle and ran off towards the Boat Museum where they entered the Manchester Ship Canal.

"After receiving assistance from a nearby boat, officers detained and arrested two men, aged 28 and 25, on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle on Stanlow Island."

A North West Ambulance Service spokesperson confirmed that they attended the scene but were later stood down.