Police have arrested three teenagers on suspicion of assault after a local man was rescued from the canal in Skipton on Friday night.
Officers say the man - in his 40s - was left critically ill after what they describe as a "very serious incident".
He was taken to hospital after being pulled from the water near to Skipton bus station just before 10pm on Friday (18th November).
A number of people who were in the area at the time are believed to have helped recover the man from the water.
He was treated by ambulance crews before being transferred to hospital, where his condition is described as 'critical'.
Police say the three teenagers arrested are under the age of 18 and are in custody. They will be questioned on suspicion of serious assault.
Officers are urging any witnesses, or anyone with information, who has not yet come forward to get in touch.
Detective Superintendent Wayne Fox said: “We are aware of concerns about antisocial behaviour in this part of Skipton and the public will have seen a significantly increased police presence in that area in the last two days.
"North Yorkshire Police are working to address these wider issues and increased policing activity will continue in the coming days.
"This is a fast-moving investigation and it is important that we hear from anyone in the local community who may have information about this serious incident.
"I would urge members of the public with information to get in touch with us immediately by calling 101 and selecting option 1 to speak to our Force Control Room.”
Update from police on 21st November 2022:
All three teenagers have now been bailed while enquiries continue. The victim remains in hospital.
