A SUSPECTED burglar, who allegedly attempted to escape from officers by going for an early-morning dip in the Mersey on Thursday, has been charged.

A 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of burglary last week after police were called out to a property on Bretton Avenue at 2am.

Police were alerted to the offence after its occupants called the emergency services after they were woken by an intruder raiding their home.

The burglar managed to escape with a collection of items.

But officers soon caught up with him and he tried to evade arrest by jumping into the Mersey.

He soon decided to give himself up and returned to dry land where he was treated by paramedics.

The suspect is expected to appear at Halton Magistrates Court on April 16 to answer to two charges of burglary.

Three other burglary offences are to be taken into consideration.