A body has been located and recovered in the search for a man who entered a river in Chippenham in the early hours of this morning (Tuesday).
Emergency services were scrambled after concerns were raised about the welfare of a man in The Bridge, over the River Avon, in the town centre at around 2.40am.
Initially, police, fire crews and specialist Hazardous Area Response Team ambulance crews were sent to the scene – but were unable to find the man.
At around 7am, Wiltshire Search and Rescue were deployed and a large-scale search effort was underway by 8am. The Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) are also on scene
A dive team from Avon and Somerset Police attended, locating and recovering the man’s body in the water shortly before 10am.
Cordons were extended to shield the recovery operation from public view. Emergency services started coming away from the scene at around 10.30am.
Wiltshire Police has since made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to prior contact with the man before his death.
A force spokesperson said: We are saddened to confirm that the body of a man was recovered from the River Avon in Chippenham this morning (31/03).
Police were called to the Town Bridge area at around 2.40am following reports of concern for the welfare of a person.
Officers have been working alongside our emergency service partners, including Wiltshire Search and Rescue (WILSAR) and specialist underwater search officers from Avon and Somerset Police.
Sadly, a man’s body has now been recovered. His family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers at this difficult time.
We have made a self-referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), as is mandatory following prior contact with police.
