A MAN jumped into the river in attempt to avoid officers in Winchester today (Thursday).

Police officers were carrying out patrols in River Park after reports in relation to drug dealing.

During the patrols several men were detained, with “one jumping in the river trying to evade officers”.

Winchester Cops on Twitter said that an amount of class A drugs were seized.

#WinchesterCity Officers conducted intelligence led patrols around River Park today in relation to class A drug supply. Several males were detained with one jumping in the river trying to evade officers. An amount of class A was seized. #swimmingwiththefishes #onyourpike 27841

A police psokesperson said: "At around 2.40pm yesterday, 14 January, during proactive operation in the River Park area of Winchester, aimed at disrupting drug supply in the area, two officers attempted to detain a 22-year-old man from Eastleigh for a search under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

"The man made off from the officers by getting into the river.

"He was later stopped again and a search was conducted, this was negative."