A body has been found in a Chippenham river – but it’s not missing Sebastian.
Emergency services raced to the River Avon, at the bottom of Westmead Open Space off Pewsham Way, at around 8am this morning (Monday).
It came after a man, aged in his 70s, was discovered deceased in the water. However, Wiltshire Police have confirmed that the body is not that of missing Sebastian Sailes.
Specialist water rescue teams have been scouring the same stretch of river in the hunt for the 21-year-old, who was last seen at a pub in Chippenham town centre last Thursday (27 February).
Forensics attended the scene and the body was recovered from the water; his next of kin has been informed. Further details around the circumstances of the death are unclear at this stage.
In a statement about today’s tragic find, a force spokesperson said: “The body of a man has been found in the River Avon near Westmead Open Space this morning (03/03).
“We can confirm that this is not missing man Sebastian Sailes, 21, for whom an extensive search operation is continuing today.
“The body, a man in his 70s, has been identified and his next of kin have been informed. Our thoughts are with them at this sad time.
“There are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances around his death.”
County Chief Inspector Ben Huggins said: “I can confirm that the body of a man was found this morning in the River Avon. His next of kin have been made aware and our thoughts are with them.
“We understand that this development will be concerning for the public.
“I’d like to reassure you that Sebastian’s disappearance and the discovery of this man’s body are not linked and the search for Sebastian will continue today.
“Sebastian’s family have been informed of this development, and we are continuing to support them.”
He continued: “A cordon was set up around the body to allow for enquiries to take place and has now been lifted.
“We continue to appeal for anyone who may have information on Sebastian to get in touch, and for drivers and residents in the Chippenham/Rowden Hill area to check any dash cam or Ring Doorbell footage from around 11.30pm on Thursday into the early hours of Friday morning.
“If you can help, contact us on 101 quoting log 141 of February 28.”
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service sent two wading teams from Chippenham and Malmesbury and a technical rescue unit from Stratton. They were stood down on arrival, as Wiltshire Search and Rescue (WILSAR) were able to provide water rescue support.
Operations by WILSAR and the police to locate Sebastian are ongoing in the area.
