by Jenni Horn

Thrill seekers sparked a massive search operation after plunging from the M2 Bridge.

Two people, thought to be base jumpers, were reported to have jumped from the bridge in Rochester at about 5pm yesterday.

Base jumping involves using a parachute to jump from buildings, bridges or natural features.

Witnesses at Medway Valley Leisure Park below said one person had jumped to the ground and the other had gone into the water but then made their way to the river bank. Both were then seen getting into a car and leaving the scene.

Six police officers and seven Medway coastguards spent more than an hour searching the river to ensure both jumpers were out of the water. The lifeboat crew from Sheerness was also launched but later stood down.

Richard Rodgers from Medway Coastguard said: “It was dark and a highly dangerous thing to do.”

“Although we were told by witnesses they had driven away, we wanted to ensure this was correct and to put our minds at rest.

A spokesman for the RNLI Sheerness lifeboat said: “RNLI Sheerness Inshore Lifeboat was launched at 5.24pm but recalled at 5.40pm when it was confirmed the two persons were in fact base jumpers and had made it to shore safely.

“The RNLI relies entirely on voluntary contributions and to launch the Inshore Lifeboat costs £2,800.”

Medway Police confirmed they are investigating the incident.

Ch Insp Richard Cherry said: “This appears to have been a planned jump. However, the actions of those involved caused significant concern to the emergency services. Kent Police, Kent Fire and Rescue and the Coastguard all needed to ensure that no-one had been left stranded in the river.

"This is a very dangerous activity and those involved put themselves, members of the public and the emergency services at risk.”

Anyone with information is asked to Medway Police on 01634 891055 or call Kent CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.