Man charged with wasting police time

A man has been charged with wasting police time after allegedly falsely claiming a man had committed suicide off New Brighton beach in Christchurch.

The 53-year-old man was charged with making a false report resulting in wasting police resources and is to appear in Christchurch District Court today.

Sergeant Scott Richardson said a man's call had sparked a search and rescue operation last night for another man who was believed to have jumped into the sea.

Fire Service, ambulance and police carried out a search along with members of the New Brighton Surf Club, Sumner Coastguard and a rescue helicopter.

Mr Richardson said searchers were stood down at dawn after police discovered the report was false.

"This is a busy time of the year and anyone who wilfully wastes police time in such a way can expect to be arrested," he said in a statement.

"... Members of the emergency services and volunteers ... place themselves at risk to save individuals and to be deceived in such a way is very annoying."

Police would be seeking reparation for the cost of the rescue operation. The charge carried a maximum penalty of three months' jail or a $2000 fine.

- NZPA