Sorry, this video asset has been removed.

Watch scenes from the
operation and hear from kmfm reporter Helen Richardson about how it
unfolded.

by Lynn Cox

A massive search and rescue operation has been dramatically
called off - and two people arrested.

An RAF search helicopter was
scrambled, an RNLI lifeboat launched and police
mobilised after reports a child had fallen into the river.

But it was called off around 3.30pm
Thursday, when two people were arrested for wasting police
time.

Initial information suggested a six-year-old girl had fallen
into the water, having last been seen in the mud on the banks for
the river just before 1.30pm Thursday.

Concerned onlookers dialled 999 and emergency services were
scrambled to the scene.

Coastguard rescue boats, an RAF helicopter and a police
helicopter began a search of the water between Sun Pier,
Chatham and Rochester Bridge.

Police lined the Chatham Riverside area with officers trying to
locate the person from the shore.

Firefighters were called to help, but stood down.

Earlier, an onlooker at the scene said: "It looked like she
disappeared near Staples in Medway Street, right near Sun Pier.
There are police everywhere they are all lined up along the river
front looking for her.

"There are also hundreds of people trying to spot her."

The two arrested are a man and a woman, both
from Rochester. The man is 33 years old and the woman 47.

Both have been released on bail.