Ian Thorpe detained by police: reports

A dazed Ian Thorpe was detained by police near his parents' home last night.

Paramedics were called to the area in Sydney’s south about 3.15am on the morning of February 3 where he was interviewed by police.

The champion swimmer was seen in a street near his parents' home at Picnic Point where he appeared dazed and disorientated. A 14-year-old boy witnessed a man attempting to break into a van.

When police arrived the 31-year-old was sitting in a car nearby.

Thorpe identified himself to police and witnesses say he appeared intoxicated at which point paramedics were called to the scene.

The family has said they will not be pressing charges.

The swimming legend was taken to Bankstown Hospital and has since been transferred to a private facility to be treated for depression.

Thorpe's manager told Nine News that Thorpe's disoriented condition was due to a combination of anti-depressants and painkillers taken for a shoulder injury.