River Hull: One of missing men ‘believed to have crossed river and got out’
SEARCH: A helicopter taking part in the river searches on Friday
By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor
One of two men who are believed to have entered the River Hull while trying to evade police may have got out on the other side nearly two hours later, police have said.
The two men are believed to have entered the water near Charlotte Street during stormy conditions at about 8.30pm on Friday after crashing their car into a wall while being pursued by police.
They had failed to stop for uniformed officers on patrol at about 8.25pm after their vehicle was seen to have a defective rear light, and fled after getting out of the car.
Their disappearance sparked a major search operation along the river and its entrance to the River Humber involving Humberside Police, HM Coastguard, Humber Rescue, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, underwater search teams and a helicopter, with police saying they were “extremely concerned” for their welfare.
Neither man has yet been identified or located.
In an incident update this evening, Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Jon Cross, said: “Our priority remains the safety and welfare of the two men whose identities are not yet known and they have not been located.
“Since the initial report, we have carried out extensive searches and CCTV enquiries, which has led us to believe one of the men managed to exit the water on the opposite side of the river, near to Great Union Street at around 10.12pm.
“We are working at pace to trace him and ensure his safety and wellbeing. At this stage, the second man has not yet been accounted for, and we are doing all we can to try and find him to also ensure his safety and wellbeing.
“Residents will continue to see an increased police presence in and around the area as our investigation progresses. We are reviewing CCTV and doorbell footage, speaking to witnesses, and working closely with our partners including the coastguard, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, and our specialist Underwater Search Team.”
Det Chief Insp Cross also revealed another man has been arrested as part of the investigation.
He said: “As part of the investigation, the vehicle is believed to have been recently sold, with enquiries tracing this to a 65-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of obstructing the course of public justice. He has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.
“To assist with our enquiries, we ask anyone who recognises the description of events, believes they know who these men are, or has CCTV or doorbell footage or other information from the area at the relevant time to contact us on 101, quoting log 461 of 5 December.”
Information can also be provided anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to the police pursuit after the vehicle reportedly failed to stop for officers.