THE body of an elderly man has been found in the River Avon.
It was discovered today by surprise during a search for missing blond-haired 21-year-old Sebastian Sailes.
Chippenham PoliceCops have launched a search for missing student Sebastian[/caption]
Chippenham PoliceThe 21-year-old was last seen leaving the Black Horse Pub in Chippenham on Thursday night[/caption]
The body of an elderly man was found in the River Avon in Chippenham
Officers confirmed that the body – a man aged in his 70s – was not the main subject of the search for Sebastian who has been missing for four days and an extensive search for his whereabouts was continuing.
A spokesman for Wiltshire Police said: “The body of a man aged in his 70s has been found in the River Avon near Westmead Open Space today/this morning (Mon).
“We can confirm that this is not missing man Sebastian Sailes, aged 21 years, for whom an extensive search operation is continuing.
“The body has been identified and his next of kin have been informed. Our thoughts are with them at this sad time.
“There are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances around the OAP’s death.
The spokesman added: “I can confirm that the body of a man was found this morning in the River Avon.
“His next of kin have been made aware and our thoughts are with them.
“We understand that this development will be concerning for the public.
“I would like to reassure them that Sebastian’s disappearance and the discovery of this man’s body are not linked and the search for Sebastian will continue today.
“Sebastian’s family have been informed of this development and we are continuing to support them.
A cordon was set up around the body to allow for inquiries to take place and has now been lifted.
“We continue to appeal for anyone who may have information on Sebastian to get in touch and for drivers and residents in the Chippenham/Rowden Hill area to check any dash-cam or Ring Doorbell footage from around 11.30pm on Thursday into the early hours of Friday morning.
“If you can help, contact us on 101 quoting log 141 of February 28.”
Sebastian, 21, was last seen leaving the Black Horse Pub in Chippenham, Wiltshire, at about 11.30pm on Thursday night.
CCTV footage then captured the young man heading towards Lovers Walk.
Cops now believe Sebastian went south along Avon Valley Walk towards his home address in Notton.
In a new update officers urged anyone who may have CCTV or Ring doorbells between Notton and Chippenham to check their footage from that night.
Chippenham Police also asked any drivers who could have been in the south Chippenham and Rowden Hill area at 11.30pm on Thursday, into the early hours of Friday morning, to review their dashcam recordings.
The force added: “We are also asking if there are any residents with wildlife cameras along the river to please get in touch.”
Sebastian is described as white, around 5ft 10ins tall, slim build, with blonde/brown hair with a long fringe.
He was last seen wearing a grey jumper, blue jeans, a beige fur lined jacket and white Adidas trainers.
County Chief Inspector Ben Huggins said: “Sebastian has now been missing since late on Thursday evening and we and his family are extremely worried about him.
“Finding him is a Force priority and we are utilising extensive resources to locate him, including exploring different routes he may have taken.
“Volunteers from other agencies are also heavily involved in the search and I would like to thank them for their efforts. I also ask that members of the public don’t fly any drones near them to ensure that they are able to conduct their searches effectively.
“Sebastian’s family are being supported by specially trained officers.
“If you see Sebastian, or know anything about his whereabouts or disappearance, please report it on 999 quoting log 141 of February 28.”
Chippenham PoliceCCTV footage shows Sebastian wearing a grey jumper, blue jeans, a beige fur lined jacket and white Adidas trainers[/caption]
The 21-year-old is described as white, around 5ft 10ins tall and of slim build
Chippenham PoliceSebastian is of slim build with blonde/brown hair with a long fringe[/caption]
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