A young man’s body has been recovered after an incident in a river in Bradford on Avon.
Emergency services raced to reports of a casualty in the water at Barton Farm Country Park shortly after 5.30pm on Friday afternoon (27 June).
It’s understood a group of friends jumped into the River Avon from what is known locally as Packhorse Bridge, but one did not resurface – and major search operation was launched.
Specialist resources, including seven five fire crews and three fire service water rescue units, were in attendance alongside police and the ambulance service.
Firefighters deployed boats and used waders to enter the water, while a drone was flown above by the police – checking for signs of thermal hotspots.
Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance landed at the incident, but was stood down as searches continued.
As the incident progressed, Wiltshire Search and Rescue were tasked to the scene.
The local charity called on support from the Severn Area Rescue Association inshore lifeboat crew and Avon and Somerset Search and Rescue, and others.
Searches of the river were conducted for many hours, before the body of a man — aged in his 20s — was located in the early hours of this morning (Saturday), and recovered.
Four detectives were spotted interviewing a group of young people who witnessed the tragedy, believed to be friends of the victim.
In a statement, Wiltshire Police said: “We responded to concerns for the welfare of a man who was swimming in the River Avon in Bradford on Avon on Friday evening (27/06).
“Following a search of the river, we sadly recovered a body.
“While formal identification has not yet taken place, his family have been informed. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”
Yesterday, 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.”
