River Severn search continues after reports of body

Police officers and members of the Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) are searching the river close to the English Bridge.

Two members of the public told officers they believed someone had gone into the water near the bridge at around 3.30am yesterday.

Police immediately attended the area and carried out searches, but there was no sign of anyone in the river and the search resumed today.

Search teams were looking close to the Telford Way Bridge.

With no current missing person investigations underway, police are asking local residents to consider if they know anyone who could be missing.

Inspector Scott Harris from Shrewsbury police station said: "Due to the recent weather conditions, the river is very high and fast moving, so clearly we are extremely concerned about the safety of anyone who could have entered the water.

"We have carried out inquiries in the area and checked CCTV but as yet, we are unable to identify who may have gone into the river.

"We will continue to search the river today, however we would urge local people to think if they have a friend or loved one who they have not seen for a while and check that they are ok – especially if they went out on Saturday night and have not yet returned.

"If you do know of someone who you are unable to get hold of or you don't know where they are, then please call us straightaway on 101.

"We would also ask people to call us if they were in the area of the bridge in the early hours of Saturday morning and either saw or heard something which could help us with our inquiries."

Andy Macbeth, the team leader at SARA, said it was only practical to search during daylight hours.

He added: "We went out yesterday and we are searching again today. We will do what we can today and take it from."