Police search lake after man reported in water

Police, fire officers and coastguards have searched a lake for a man who was reported to be in the water.

A member of the public had raised the alarm at 21:00 BST on Wednesday after hearing and seeing the man at Testwood Lakes near Calmore, Hampshire, officers said.

The search, involving the police helicopter and a boat, had found nothing and no-one had been reported missing, police said.

Officers have appealed for anyone who was swimming there or who saw someone in the water to contact them. Testwood Lakes nature reserve has been closed until further notice.

In a statement, Hampshire Police said: "One of the key lines of inquiry we are pursuing is whether the man reported to us left the water and the area before emergency services arrived.

"At this stage, we cannot rule out any possibility and information from members of the public could be vital in helping us understand the circumstances."

The force said its searches and inquiries would continue.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, which manages the reserve, said it had been closed until further notice.

A spokesperson said: "We are extremely concerned to hear of an incident at Testwood Lakes.

"We join the police in asking people to please avoid the area at this time."

On its website, the trust said swimming was not permitted at any of its sites.

In June, a 15-year-old swimmer died at Testwood Lakes. His body was found after a three-day search.