A man who attempted suicide at Liverpool Pier Head was spotted by Steam Packet crew aboard the Manannan last night.

Stephen McCoid leapt into the River Mersey near the fast craft as it was loading passengers and vehicles for the 7.30pm sailing.

Crew members raised the alarm and alerted the coastguard, who asked Merseyside Fire Brigade’s inshore rescue boat to go to his assistance.

He was helped ashore, where he was given medical attention by paramedics and a doctor who was on board the ferry.

John Moss reports (text, below, from attached audio file):

Mr McCoid was taken to hospital in Liverpool, telling the emergency services he had d meant to take his own life.

He later slipped away from staff and went missing. Merseyside Coastguard says the 26 year-old then returned to the Pier Head at around 10.30pm last night.

He was spotted leaping into the water again, and the fire brigade’s boat was sent to rescue him from the river for a second time.

Police later took Mr McCoid into custody.