Police Divers In River Severn After Vehicle Went Missing

17 April 2019, 17:16

Officers and dive teams remain in the Frankwell Quay area of the River Severn in Shrewsbury as they look for a missing man.

33-year-old Ashley Atkins - who's from the West Midlands - was reported missing on Tuesday. 

His disappearance is being linked to an incident that took place at around 2am on Tuesday (16th April) when a vehicle went into the River Severn.

Chief Superintendent for the Shropshire and Telford policing area, Kevin Purcell said: "Officers came across a vehicle in the river at around 2am. We believe it may be linked to a vehicle seen acting suspiciously in the area shortly before.

"With the help of Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service we searched the river and the river bank area where the car was found.

"We are growing concerned for Ashley's welfare and are conducting searches with the help of a dive team as part of our ongoing enquiries. As a result, residents will see an increased police presence in the area at this time."

Enquiries are currently ongoing and anyone with information as to Ashley's whereabouts is asked to call West Mercia Police on 101 quoting incident 18N of 16 April.

A 39-year-old man and a 27-year-old man - both from Birmingham - were arrested in Shrewsbury on Tuesday on suspicion of conspiring to commit burglary. They've both been released on bail.