Reports of police helicopter, fire and ambulance in Abingdon river search

POLICE were continuing to search the River Thames in Abingdon this evening following reports of a motorcycle crashing into the water. 

Officers have been on the scene throughout the day in the search for the missing motorcyclist but, despite finding a bike and helmet, have found no sign of the rider. 

Sections of Saxton Road and Preston Road are closed to allow access to the riverside for emergency vehicles after the search was stepped up this afternoon. 

A large emergency service operation was seen after the incident was first reported last night. 

Residents said they saw a fire service boat, several fire engines, a police helicopter and ambulances conducting a search near Abbey Sailing Club on Wilsham Road.

Thames Valley Police said they received a report at 10.10pm yesterday of a motorcycle in the river in Abingdon.

The force is working with Hampshire Police on the search but nothing further had been found by 6pm.  

Spokesman James Williams said the length of the search will depend on how it progresses. 

Inspector Caroline Harrison, based at Abingdon police station, said: “At this stage we are working to establish the circumstances – whether anyone entered the river with the motorcycle.

"Our primary concern is for the welfare of anyone who may have entered the water if indeed anyone did."

She called on anyone who saw anything suspicious last night around Preston Road or the river to call 101 and was especially keen to hear from those with CCTV for Saxton Road and Preston Road.

South Central Ambulance Service confirmed it attended between 10.14pm and midnight after police alerted them to the possibility of a motorcyclist in the river.

Spokesman David Gallagher said: "We sent two rapid response vehicles, an ambulance, our Hazardous Area Response Team and the Thames Valley Air Ambulance to the scene.

"We were stood down at midnight as the search had failed to find any person in the water, though our incident notes suggest a bike and helmet were recovered."

At least four police officers remain on the scene, with several rusty bicycles hauled from the river as part of the search.

NPAS Benson tweeted the police helicopter had been out again this morning searching the river after reports of the motorbike crashing into the river overnight.

26/3 0925hrs searching the River Thames in Abingdon after reports of a motorcycle crashing into the river overnight. Extensive search completed with @tvpsouthandvale (URN 1314 25/3) This was in addition to the night crew searching shortly after the initial call #p6572

— NPAS Benson (@NPASBenson) March 26, 2018