Police in the American state of Connecticut thwarted an attempt by a man to drown his two small children at a beach in West Haven, the news agency Associated Press reported late Saturday (June 22) citing authorities. A police officer spotted an SUV parked on a beach in West Haven at about 2.30 am local time Friday and heard “significant screaming” from the water as he approached. 

According to the West Haven Police Department, the officer entered the water, the man continued to drift further away with the two children while screaming, “Stay back!”. The department said that it became obvious that the man “was deliberately drowning his children.”

Responding police officers went out nearly 91 metres from shore and were joined by other rescuers on a fire boat. The first officer to arrive at the site was able to take the children and other officers helped get them to shore.

The police further said that lifesaving measures were provided to the children and they were taken to a hospital, where they remained in intensive care on Saturday.

The man was taken into custody and it was not clear if he had a lawyer. “It is without a doubt the swift response by our patrol officers saved the lives of these children,” the police said.

A call seeking information on possible charges and additional information was made to the police. An investigation has been launched into the incident. 

(With inputs from agencies)