An emergency search was going on today for a man who fled police by wading into the River Wharfe at Otley.

A team of officers who spent hours scouring the two-mile stretch of river between the weir at Otley and Pool-in-Wharfedale yesterday were continuing the search today.

The drama began when police stopped a BMW in Newall Close, Otley, at just after 3.30 am on Sunday. Police said the car had been driven erratically.

A spokesman added: "One man ran off and was later seen swimming in the river."

Officers tried to coax him out of the water, but lost sight of him in the mist.

Despite continuing the search throughout the day, police failed to find the man and believe he reached the other side safely. But police are concerned for his welfare and are appealing for him to contact them.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: "It could be that he reached the other side of the river safely but police are concerned for his welfare.''

Inspector Grey McKenna, of Weetwood police, said: "He's still not turned up. We've made an exhaustive search and don't think there's anyone in the river.''

Mr McKenna said they had no idea who the man was. He added that there were no reports of any missing persons matching the man's description.

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