Key Highlights
- Urgent search for two men who entered River Hull while fleeing from police.
- Police engaged in a pursuit after a vehicle with defective rear light failed to stop during a routine check.
- Multiple specialist search services, including the Coastguard and Humberside Fire and Rescue service, have been deployed.
- Detective Inspector Andy Crawforth is leading the search for the men’s welfare.
Incident Overview: A Quick Pursuit Leads to an Urgent Search
On Friday evening at around 8.25pm, a routine traffic stop in Hull turned into a high-speed chase that ended dramatically. According to reports from Humberside Police, officers were conducting a patrol when they attempted to stop a vehicle with a defective rear light for a standard check. The pursuit began as the driver failed to comply and was forced to flee on foot after crashing their car into a wall in Charlotte Street.
Immediate Response: Deploying Specialist Search Teams
Following reports that two men had entered the River Hull, a comprehensive search operation was immediately launched. The area around the river has seen an increased police presence over the weekend as authorities continue to search for the men’s whereabouts. Detective Inspector Andy Crawforth, who is leading the investigation, stated, “We are extremely concerned for their welfare and are conducting extensive lines of enquiries in an attempt to identify and locate them.”
Specialist search teams from various services have been deployed, including the Coastguard, Humberside Fire and Rescue service, and a specialist underwater search team. The area near the local college and several businesses has been thoroughly searched, with DI Crawforth emphasizing that residents should expect an increased police presence in the area.
Community Involvement: A Call for Information
To aid the ongoing investigation, Detective Inspector Crawforth urged anyone who might have information about the men’s whereabouts or recent sightings to come forward. “I would ask anyone who believes they know who these men are or who thinks that someone they know went missing yesterday evening to contact us immediately,” he said. He also requested assistance from the local community in providing any relevant CCTV footage, doorbell recordings, or eyewitness accounts.
Local residents have been asked to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The non-emergency number for those with information is 101, quoting log 461 of 5 December, which will guide the police to the specific details needed for their inquiries.
Background
A High-Profile Search
The search operation highlights the complexity and urgency involved in such incidents. The River Hull, a significant waterway in Hull, presents unique challenges due to its depth and potential hazards. The deployment of multiple specialist teams underscores the seriousness with which authorities are approaching this situation.
Residents and businesses in the area have been advised to remain cautious and alert for any updates or further instructions from law enforcement. As the search continues, the community remains under close watch, ensuring that all necessary measures are taken to locate the missing individuals safely.
The incident has drawn attention not only due to its dramatic nature but also as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by local authorities to maintain public safety and address potential emergencies swiftly and effectively.
