Reports of man in water in Oxford

The man in his 60s is reported to have entered the water at Osney Mead on Tuesday afternoon.

River Thames from Osney Bridge
Author: Andrea FoxPublished 10th Apr 2024

Officials have expressed concern following reports of a man falling in the river in Oxford on Tuesday.

The incident occurred in the Osney area as emergency services raced to the city’s waterway.

A large presence of police officers and other emergency services were on scene as helicopters circled above the water throughout the afternoon.

Police officers and firefighters were also urgently patrolling the waterway.

Thames Valley Police has released a statement saying the man is believed to be a white man in his 60s and wearing a flat cap.

The reports come after police conducted a search at a Witney river in February for missing 76-year-old woman, Iona, whose full name was not given.

A river search operation at the time covered nearly 2km, involving marine units, specialist search and rescue, the criminal investigation department, the missing investigation support team and the national police air service.

Emergency services including Oxfordshire Fire Service are involved.

Officers who talked to boat owners and critical care doctors were seen on the river embankment amid the rescue effort.

An Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman added: “Four fire engines and a fire and rescue boat were sent in response.”

Police say if anyone has seen the man or may know who he might be then they should contact them.

A statement said those with information can also pass on relevant details to officers on scene.

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