A man ‘missing’ in the River Avon in Chippenham has sparked a major search.
Emergency services were called to The Bridge in the town centre at around 2.40am on this morning (Tuesday) after concerns were raised for the welfare of a man.
Police, multiple fire crews, and a Hazardous Area Response Team from South Western Ambulance Service attended the scene.
Despite the their best efforts at the time, they were unable to rescue the man. Now, a large-scale search and rescue operation is ongoing.
Specially-trained police officers are coordinating a search with Wiltshire Search and Rescue. Divers from Avon and Somerset Police are due to enter the water imminently.
A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: “Police were called to the Town Bridge area of Chippenham at around 2.40am this morning (31/03) following reports of a concern for the welfare of a man.
“Our communities are likely to see significant resources in the River Avon area while we work with our emergency services partners including Wiltshire Search and Rescue and specialist underwater search officers from Avon and Somerset Police in the town bridge area as our enquiries continue.
“Supt James Brain has asked that people try and avoid the area, taking an alternative route where possible whilst emergency service conduct enquiries in the area and would like to thank the local community in advance for their cooperation with this.
“If you were in the area at the time of the incident and may have information that could help us with our enquiries, please call 101 or 999 in an emergency quoting log number 26 of today’s date (31/03).”
Members of the public are advised to avoid the Town Bridge area while enquiries continue.
