RNLI called out after man seen jumping into the River Tay

Two lifeboats and a rescue helicopter were involved in the search

Author: Hazel MartinPublished 2nd Jan 2018

Witnesses are being urged to come forward, after a man was seen jumping into the water off the Tay Road Bridge yesterday.

He was seen entering the water from the Fife end of the bridge at around 3:40pm yesterday afternoon.

He is described as being in his 50s, wearing a dark tammy style hat, a large black winter coat over a dark green jumper, grey jeans and black shoes.

Police are urging anyone who may have been driving over the bridge at the time to come forward.

A spokesperson said: "We have not had any persons reported missing to us who match this description at this time, and we need to identify who he is, along with trying to find him.

"It has been confirmed that he entered the bridge walkway from the Dundee end.

"If you have any information which could help us, please call 101 or speak to any Police officer".

Both Broughty Ferry lifeboats launched yesterday, and a rescue helicopter was deployed to help find the man.

The crew was called out at around 6:30pm, and launched both inshore and all weather lifeboats minutes later.

Coxwain Murray Brown said: "We conducted a big search of the river and we tasked in the rescue helicopter to give us a hand because it was close to low water.

"We did a search but unfortunately nothing was found".

He added: "Unfortunately, this seems to be an even sadder time of year for people.

"I know there is help out there, so if anybody does need it, it's obviously better to get a bit of help before we are involved".