Knottingley police fears grow after sound of 'body hitting icy water'

West Yorkshire Police are appealing for information following a concern for safety call about a male seen near the River Aire in Knottingley.

A call was received by officers at 7.41pm yesterday (Thursday, November 21) to a report that a male had been seen on the wrong side of the bridge over the River Aire a short time earlier. The person who made the call said they heard sounds which suggested he had entered the water, but did not witness this.

Emergency services attended at the scene with a search made, including the use of the underwater search unit but no one was located in the water.

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Detective Inspector Heather Shearer said: "With the temperatures overnight, it is clearly very concerning that we have had a report that someone may have gone into the water. Currently this is the only report we have had, and we have not had any reports of any missing people in the Knottingley area.

“I would urge anyone who has seen a man near the river in Knottingley yesterday evening to please report this to us. Similarly, if you believe you were the male sighted on the bridge then please come forward urgently to confirm that you are safe and well."

Information can be provided to Wakefield District CID via Live Chat online or by calling 101, quoting log 1531 of 21 November.

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