A tragic outcome – a body has been found in a search for a man in Chippenham.
Despite hope 21-year-old Sebastian Sailes would be found alive, police have confirmed that he was found deceased in the River Avon following nearly two weeks of intense searches.
The man was last seen leaving The Black Horse pub in New Road – and is thought to have started a lengthy walk home to Notton, near Lacock.
Police previously said that he may have walked into Lovers Walk, and then along the River Avon – which for the most part does not have any physical barriers to prevent a fall into the water.
Water searches teams deployed boats on the river and dozens more Wiltshire Search and Rescue volunteers joined the hunt on land.
Commenting on the sad update, a spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: “Police divers, who have been searching a stretch of the River Avon in Chippenham following the disappearance of 21-year-old Sebastian Sailes, have sadly recovered a body.
“Sebastian’s family have been informed of the latest development and our thoughts are with them at this extremely difficult time.
“Formal identification will take place in due course.
Wiltshire Police Superintendent James Brain said: “This development will of course be devastating for Sebastian’s family.
“I would like to offer my sincere condolences, and I know that everyone involved in supporting this operation will also be thinking of Sebastian’s family.
“We will continue to offer our support over the coming days.
“I would ask that their privacy is respected.”
