Search and Rescue Teams from West Mercia Police and other organisations are continuing to search the River Wye in Hereford, following reports that a man fell into the river in the early hours of Saturday morning.
West Mercia Police, assisted by Nottinghamshire underwater and specialist search unit, are continuing to search a stretch of the river near the Victoria Bridge in the city.
On Saturday evening, three people were arrested on suspicion of murder, and remain in Police custody.
A statement released by West Mercia Police on Saturday evening said:
Officers investigating a report a man had fallen into the river near to the Victoria Bridge in Hereford in the early hours of this morning (Saturday 29 July) have arrested three men.
Police received a call at 12.05am from a man who said his friend, a man in his 20’s, had fallen down the embankment into the river.
Police search trained officers, along with the police helicopter and blue light colleagues from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and West Midlands Ambulance Service were all immediately deployed to the area to search for the missing man.
Following enquiries by officers it is now believed that the missing man was involved in an altercation prior to the incident.
The missing man’s family have been made aware of this development.
A scene guard remains in place along the river and searches are likely to continue for some time with specialist support.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Tony Garner said: “Teams have continued to search the river today but unfortunately have so far been unable to find the missing man.
“Our enquiries are still in the initial stages, however, following new information that the missing man was involved in an altercation, we have now arrested three men on suspicion of murder.
“They are currently in police custody while our enquiries continue into the circumstances leading up to the time the man is believed to have entered the river.
“If anyone has any information that could help with our enquiries, we urge them to get in contact with us as the information they provide could be crucial in piecing together what happened in this tragic incident.”
Any witnesses who may have seen an altercation in Hereford city centre late last night are asked to please contact Home | West Mercia Police quoting incident 5i of July 29, 2023.
Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
