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.

READ MORE: Oxford search: Emergency services called to river

Osney and St Thomas ward councillor Susanna Pressel said "not again" when she heard of the news. 

Oxford Mail: Susanna Pressel.Susanna Pressel. (Image: Oxford City Council)

She added: "This is very sad news.

"I hope they might somehow find him alive, but if they don't we need to find out how and why he died.

"Was it an accident? 

"If not, could it have been prevented with better mental health support or better social care? 

"I hope his family and friends will be given support as they try to come to terms with it.

"I'd like to thank the emergency services who work so hard to rescue people.

Oxford Mail: Emergency service workers watch on.Emergency service workers watch on. (Image: Newsquest)

"The river is flowing particularly fast just now, so they may be risking their own lives. What heroes they are."

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.

Ward councillor Lois Muddiman said of the Osney incident: "Like many local residents, I was very concerned to hear so many emergency vehicles and a helicopter this afternoon.

Oxford Mail: Lois Muddiman.Lois Muddiman. (Image: Oxford City Council.)

"I understand there has been an incident and that the River Thames is being searched in the Osney Mead and Grandpont areas. 

"All our emergency services including Oxfordshire Fire Service and Thames Valley Police are doing all that they can to help."

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 999 using the reference number 43240161677.

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