A man reportedly jumped into a river after allegedly going on a rampage in Chatham with a hammer.

Police, ambulance crews, firefighters, the coastguard, and the police helicopter were called to the River Medway in Chatham just before 3.30am today.

The man, who is in his 40s and from the Chatham area, apparently jumped into the water to escape police as they tried to apprehend him.

It is understood the man, who has not been named, earlier ran along the High Street causing damage with the hammer before throwing it, hitting someone on the foot.

He then fled towards the river and jumped in the water.

The police helicopter was spotted hovering over the river at Chatham for some time and fire crews launched a boat to help in the search.

Paramedics in two cars and a Hazardous Area Response Team were also called.

A life buoy was dropped from the aircraft and the man was pulled from the water and handed over to medics.

He was assessed and treated at the scene before being taken to Medway Maritime Hospital.

The ambulance service said he was conscious and had no physical injuries. He is understood to have been sectioned.

A police spokesman said: "Kent Police was called at 3.22am on Tuesday 27 June 2017 to a report of concern for the welfare of a man seen in Chatham High Street.

"Officers attended and the police helicopter also assisted along with the Kent Coastguard and other agencies after the man was seen entering the River Medway.

"The man was located safely and has been handed to medical professionals."