Tests were today being carried out to see if a severed human foot discovered in a shoe on the banks of the River Severn is that of a missing Shropshire man.

An investigation was launched yesterday following the grisly discovery of the foot on the banks of the River Severn, in Gloucestershire.

The foot, which was decomposed, was within a dark grey sock and a size nine-and-a-half Vision-brand trainer. It was discovered by a couple on a stroll along the river near Odda’s Chapel, in Deerhurst.

Officers are now making liaising with police in Shropshire in a bid to try and identify who the body part came from and how they died.

The find comes after renewed appeals for Trevor Oliver, 49, who was last seen at his home in Copthorne Road, Shrewsbury, by a neighbour on January 14.

Detective Inspector Steve Bean, of Cheltenham CID, said: “We are keeping an open mind about how it came to be in the river and will be carrying out a thorough search of the river and bank at the spot it was found today.

“The search will involve specialist search trained police officers as well as the Severn Area Rescue Association and the force helicopter.

Maria Hawkaluk, spokeswoman for the Shropshire Division of West Mercia Constabulary, said: “Officers from West Mercia’s Shropshire Division are liaising with Gloucestershire Constabulary regarding the possibility that human remains found at the weekend could be connected with a missing local man.

“However, at this stage it is too early to confirm any connection and extensive tests, including DNA, will need to be carried out before the remains are identified.”