A joint operation between firefighters and police officers was launched amid reports a person had fallen into a river late last night.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and Essex Police were both called to Trinity Street in Halstead just after 11pm on Monday evening after reports someone had fallen into the River Colne.

There had also been reports of screaming and cries for help coming from the water.

Both police officers and firefighters worked together to try and establish the exact location of the person.

With little sign of anyone, the Hazard Area Response Team were called to the scene as dogs and a rescue boat team were dispatched to broaden the search and wade through the river.

However, after several hours of looking, no one could be found and the search was called off.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We were called by the fire service following reports someone was in the river near Trinity Street, Halstead at around 11.10pm on Monday, June 18.

“We attended and assisted other emergency services to search the area.

“No-one was found.”

Residents reported seeing a number of ambulances and fire engines parked up near Halstead Day Centre.

It is understood the search centred on part of the river which runs from behind the day centre up to Mill House.

East of England Ambulance Service said it had stood paramedics down after it had classified the incident as a false report.

However, a spokesman for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said it may have been that no one had been found because the person had managed to get themselves out of the river.

They said: “The search did not find anyone and its believed the person made their own way out further down river.

“Please take extra care when near water.

“Water no matter how deep is a dangerous and hazardous place to be especially in the dark.”