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

by Lynn Cox

Two people arrested after a massive search operation was called
off have been released on bail.

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

But it was called off around 3.30pm,
when two people, a 33-year-old man and a 47-year-old woman, were
arrested for wasting police time.

The pair from Rochester are due back
at Medway Police Station on September 24.

Supt Des Keers, said: "I would like to thank all emergency
services and the Royal Engineer Boat school for their professional
conduct during this search. I am confident that we all worked
extremely well in what were very difficult circumstances. Our
response highlights the fact that we take all calls extremely
seriously and are well prepared to deal with incidents such as this
when required."

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 today.

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

Coastguard rescue boats and a RAF 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.

An onlooker at the scene said earlier: "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."

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