Emergency services searching for a man who allegedly fell into the River Thames in Oxford are yet to find anything in a major search.
The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon after multiple reports that a man in his 60s fell into the waterway.
Emergency services including police, fire and rescue and paramedics all raced down Osney, near Botley Road at around 1pm.
Sirens rang around Oxford before it was announced by Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service that a man was in the river as four fire engines and a boat were deployed.
READ MORE: Police give description of man who ‘fell’ into River Thames amid search
A spokesperson for Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue service said: "A call came in to fire and rescue at 13:23 relating to reports of someone in the river at Osney.
"Four fire engines and a fire and rescue boat were sent in response."
An air ambulance could then be heard circling above the area as a major search got fully underway to locate the man.
A Thames Valley Air Ambulance spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we were dispatched to the River Thames in Oxford today.”
Locals reacted in horror as it became apparent what had happened and what was now going on around them.
READ MORE: Emergency service boats scour river in urgent search
“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.”
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.”
A police helicopter then spent hours circling above the water as patrol rafts scoured the water in search of the man throughout the afternoon.
READ MORE: Dogwalkers horror as nearby public react to man ‘falling’ into river
Thames Valley Police are yet to locate the missing man but did provide the public with a description of him later on in the afternoon.
A spokesperson for the force 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 sixties 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.”
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