Police searching for a 26-year-old man missing since Thursday have found the body of an elderly man. Police are looking for Sebastian Sailes, 21, who disappeared from a pub on Thursday evening.Avon and Somerset Police say officers found the body of a man in his 70s during the searches.
A spokesman for Wiltshire Police said: “The body of a man aged in his 70s has been found in the River Avon near Westmead Open Space today/this morning (Mon). We can confirm that this is not missing man Sebastian Sailes, aged 21 years, for whom an extensive search operation is continuing.
“The body has been identified and his next of kin have been informed. Our thoughts are with them at this sad time. There are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances around the OAP’s death.”
The spokesman added: “I can confirm that the body of a man was found this morning in the River Avon. His next of kin have been made aware and our thoughts are with them.We understand that this development will be concerning for the public.
“I would like to reassure them that Sebastian’s disappearance and the discovery of this man’s body are not linked and the search for Sebastian will continue today. Sebastian’s family have been informed of this development and we are continuing to support them.
“We continue to appeal for anyone who may have information on Sebastian to get in touch and for drivers and residents in the Chippenham/Rowden Hill area to check any dash-cam or Ring Doorbell footage from around 11.30pm on Thursday into the early hours of Friday morning.
“If you can help, contact us on 101 quoting log 141 of February 28.”
Sebastian was last seen leaving the Black Horse Pub in Chippenham, Wiltshire , at about 11.30pm on Thursday night. He headed towards Lovers Walk and is believed to have takenAvon Valley Walk south towards his home in Notton.
Police are asking home owners to reviews doorbell camera footage and drivers to look st dashcam videos.
A force spokesman said: “We are also asking if there are any residents with wildlife cameras along the river to please get in touch.”
Sebastian is white, around 5ft 10ins tall, slim build, with blonde/brown hair with a long fringe. He was last seen wearing a grey jumper, blue jeans, a beige fur lined jacket and white Adidas trainers.
County Chief Inspector Ben Huggins said: “Sebastian has now been missing since late on Thursday evening and we and his family are extremely worried about him. Finding him is a Force priority and we are utilising extensive resources to locate him, including exploring different routes he may have taken.
“Volunteers from other agencies are also heavily involved in the search and I would like to thank them for their efforts. I also ask that members of the public don’t fly any drones near them to ensure that they are able to conduct their searches effectively. If you see Sebastian, or know anything about his whereabouts or disappearance, please report it on 999 quoting log 141 of February 28.”