A burglar tried to escape by jumping off a balcony into the ocean yesterday morning.

Police attended a reported burglary at a Sandy's parish guest property. The complainants — who are visitors to the island — said they woke up around 6 a.m. and found a man they did not know lying on the floor of their room.

When they confronted him, he ran out of the room and jumped off the balcony. A security guard tried to apprehend him but he jumped into the ocean and tried to swim away.

Marine Police found him in the water, but the man refused to get in the boat. He was eventually pulled aboard when a violent struggle broke out.

Officers had to use pepper spray to subdue the 35-year old Sandy's parish suspect. He was arrested and taken to the Somerset Police station.

The matter is being investigated.