Extensive Police Efforts Underway
Police are continuing their search of the River Avon for missing 21-year-old Sebastian Sailes, who was last seen in Chippenham one week ago.
Sebastian was spotted on CCTV leaving the Black Horse Pub at 11:30pm on Thursday, February 27, before heading towards Lovers Walk. It is believed he then continued south along Avon Valley Walk towards his home in Notton.
Since his disappearance, an extensive search operation has been launched, with emergency services from across the south of England assisting in the efforts.
Description and Last Known Appearance
Sebastian is described as:
• White, 5ft 10ins tall
• Slim build
• Blonde/brown hair with a long fringe
He was last seen wearing:
• Grey jumper
• Blue jeans
• Beige fur-lined jacket
• White Adidas trainers
Police Search Expands to River Avon
On Thursday, March 6, a dive team was deployed to the River Avon as police and search teams intensified their efforts.
Drones have also been used to scan the area, while officers continue to conduct searches on foot along footpaths, housing estates, and surrounding locations.
Chief Inspector Urges Public for Assistance
In a video update shared via Chippenham Police’s Facebook page, County Chief Inspector Ben Huggins described the ongoing efforts to locate Sebastian.
“We’re here today with further search activity for missing person Seb. We are conducting multiple, extensive enquiries. We have deployed a dive team into the river, which remains one area of focus for us,” he said.
“But in addition to that, we also have searches ongoing with drone footage, active enquiries within the housing estates and footpaths, and we’re continuing to review CCTV options and following up all lines of enquiry.”
He reassured the public that an increased police presence would remain in the area and urged anyone with dashcam, Ring doorbell, or CCTV footage to come forward.
“There’s a missing young man at the heart of this, and our absolute goal is to find Seb. So if you do have any information at all, please come forward,” he added.
Family’s Heartfelt Appeal
Sebastian’s parents issued a fresh plea on Wednesday, urging anyone with information to contact police immediately.
“We are a very close family and are all extremely anxious and praying for the safe return of our much-loved son, Sebastian.”
“We are unbelievably grateful for the efforts of the police and all the amazing volunteers.”
“The public support has been heart-warming, and we appeal to anyone who may have information to contact Wiltshire Police immediately, in the hope that our beautiful boy is returned to us safe and sound.”
Unrelated Body Discovery in River Avon
On Monday morning, the body of a man in his 70s was found in the River Avon near Westmead Open Space, Chippenham.
Police have confirmed that the man’s next of kin have been informed and that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
County Chief Inspector Ben Huggins clarified that this discovery is not linked to Sebastian’s disappearance.
How to Help
Wiltshire Police urge anyone with information, CCTV, dashcam, or doorbell footage to contact them immediately.
• Call 101, quoting incident reference number
• Report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
The search remains ongoing, and updates will follow as more details emerge.
