FIRE and rescue crews from Trowbridge helped Wiltshire Police to search the River Avon following an incident in Bradford on Avon late last night.

It is understood they were looking for a man who entered the water following a suspicious incident near the Bethel Quarry in the town.

A Wiltshire Police spokeswoman said: "Officers were called to the Bethel Quarry area of Bradford on Avon shortly before midnight following a report of suspicious activity on the site.

"While attempting to locate a suspect, the man ran away from officers when they approached him close to the town centre.

"It is believed that during his attempt to evade police, he entered the river, and the police helicopter was used to assist officers on the ground with the search.


"Enquiries are ongoing to locate the man, who we believe is in the Avon & Somerset area."

A Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: "We were called at 12.01am.

"Water rescue teams from Trowbridge and Chippenham initially carried out a search along the river and canal along with the police.

"Those crews were released at 1am with no sign of the man, but the rescue boat from Chippenham was brought in at 2am to carry out a further search of the water, which was complete by 3.41am, again with no sign."