Search and rescue operation continues in Shrewsbury after reports of River Severn 'drowning'
A search and rescue operation was continuing in Shrewsbury today following reports of a man being spotted in the River Severn last night.
Police and fire and ambulance crews were dispatched to the river on Tuesday evening after a member of the public called 999 last night to say there was a man in the water near the former Dana prison in Castlefields.
The police helicopter flew overhead and two Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service boats were deployed on the river in the search.
The helicopter was back up over the river again today.
About 15 police officers and firefighters from Baschurch and Shrewsbury fire stations also assisted in the search along the riverbanks last night.
But Inspector Peter Kitosi-Isangha of West Mercia Police said despite the extensive search, which started at about 7pm, no-one had been found.
He said: "We have got a man who is believed to have entered the river quite close to the prison.
"The call came in at around 7.20pm to us from the ambulance service and it was reports of a drowning. I believe they were informed by a member of the public.
"We had about 12 to 15 officers down there and the helicopter overhead, and two boats were deployed by the fire service in the river itself.
"Unfortunately we were not able to locate anyone in the river."
