Police investigating reports of a baby in the Belfast Lough last night which sparked a major search have arrested a woman (37) on suspicion of wasting police time.
A PSNI spokeswoman said the woman is currently helping them with their inquiries at a Belfast police station.
The search for a baby feared lost at sea was called off today after the PSNI said they believe initial reports that an infant fell from a ferry into Belfast harbour were incorrect.
The search began after a woman was rescued last night 15 minutes after she fell from the Stena Line boat as it made its way into Belfast port from Cairnryan on Scotland’s western coast.
The woman, who is from Belfast, was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital, where her condition is described as stable today.
At the time of the incident it was reported that a baby had also entered the water with the woman, prompting extensive searches that began last night and continued this morning.
But after a complex police investigation, which included interviewing the woman’s family, the PSNI said they no longer believe a child was in her care at the time.
The incident happened in Belfast Lough close to Holywood, Co Down, on a busy shipping route for passenger and freight vessels between Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Additional reporting: PA