Police Inform Family as Formal Identification Awaits
Police divers searching the River Avon near Chippenham have recovered a body during efforts to locate missing 21-year-old student Sebastian Sailes. The University of the West of England student’s family has been informed, though formal identification is yet to take place.
Sebastian was last seen at around 11.30pm on Thursday, February 27, walking along Lovers Walk in Chippenham after leaving the Black Horse Pub. He is believed to have headed south on Avon Valley Walk towards his home in Notton.
Body of Elderly Man Found During Search
As part of the ongoing search, officers also discovered the body of a man in his 70s in the River Avon near Westmead Open Space. Wiltshire Police confirmed that this individual is not connected to Sebastian’s disappearance, and his death is not being treated as suspicious. The man has been identified, and his next of kin have been informed.
A police spokesperson acknowledged that the discovery may be concerning to the public but assured that the search for Sebastian is still ongoing.
Extensive Search Efforts
Since Sebastian was reported missing, Wiltshire Police have been working alongside Wiltshire Search and Rescue, Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire, and specialist teams from other forces. Local businesses and support charities have also assisted in the search, with efforts including dive teams and drone surveillance.
Last week County Chief Inspector Ben Huggins confirmed that search operations have been extensive, with officers focusing on multiple areas. He stated that dive teams have been deployed in the river as part of the ongoing investigation.
