Locals have reacted in horror after a man allegedly fell into the River Thames in Oxford resulting in an urgent search.

Fire crews, police and paramedics rushed to the incident at Osney, near Botley Road, at around 1pm on Tuesday and have remained at the site throughout the afternoon.

“We saw the fire engine race past us and heard that a man had fallen into the river which is awful,” said one dogwalker.

“The sirens were so loud around here.”

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Another member of the public who was walking close to the river said: “I have no idea what has happened but there are so many police officers and firefighters.

“It must be serious.”

Police are still searching the river for the man and issued a description of him who they say is in his 60s.

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “Officers from Thames Valley Police and other emergency services from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue and South Central Ambulance Service are on scene after it was reported that a man went into the water at Osney Mead at around 1.20pm this afternoon.

“Search efforts are ongoing but as of yet, the man has not yet been located.

“The man is believed to be a white man in his 60s and wearing a flat cap.

“Members of the public will see a large presence of officers and other emergency services.

“If anyone has seen the man or may know who he might be we would ask them to please let one of our officers on scene know or to call 999 reference 43240161677.”