Young person missing in Wiltshire river sparks major water search

UPDATE: Young man’s body recovered after Bradford on Avon river incident

A young person is missing in a river in Wiltshire – sparking a major water search.

Emergency services were called to Barton Farm Country Park in Bradford on Avon at around 5.30pm this evening (Friday).

It’s understood a group of young people jumped into the River Avon, with one failing to resurface.

Police raced to the scene alongside around seven fire appliance – including water rescue units. A drone has been launched to scour the water for heat sources.

Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance landed on site as searches commenced, remaining there for around an hour before leaving to attend another mission.

Wiltshire Search and Rescue, Avon and Somerset Search and Rescue, the Severn Area Rescue Association lifeboat crew arrived later, to provide urgent assistance.

Officers have cordoned off most of the park with police tape while the incident is ongoing.

A spokesperson for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called at 5.43pm today to Pound Lane, Bradford-on-Avon to assist the ambulance service with a rescue from water.

“Crews from Trowbridge, Chippenham, Bath (Avon FRS) and Temple Back (Avon FRS) along with the water rescue units from Trowbridge, Stratton and Bath attended.

“Water rescue and wading teams along with a drone were used to search the area.

“The incident was handed over to the police and our stop came in at 8.22pm. We have now left the scene.”