River Hull: Humberside Police issue update on men believed to have entered water after pursuit
Police believe one of the men thought to have entered the River Hull following a pursuit managed to exit the water.
At around 8:25pm last Friday (December 5), uniformed Humberside Police officers attempted to stop a vehicle being driven a with a defective rear light for a routine check.
The vehicle failed to stop and after a short pursuit, crashed into a wall on Charlotte Street. Two men fled on foot and police believe they entered the River Hull at approximately 8:30pm.
Police now believe one of the men managed to exit the water on the opposite side of the river, near Great Union Street, at around 10:12pm. However, the second man has “not yet been accounted for”.
The vehicle involved, meanwhile, is believed to have been recently sold. Enquiries have traced this to a 65-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of obstructing the course of public justice and then released on bail.
Statement issued
Detective Chief Inspector Jon Cross said: “Our priority remains the safety and welfare of the two men whose identities are not yet known and they have not been located.
“Since the initial report, we have carried out extensive searches and CCTV enquiries, which has led us to believe one of the men managed to exit the water on the opposite side of the river, near to Great Union Street, in the what three words location shack.fingernails.keys, at around 10:12pm.
“We are working at pace to trace him and ensure his safety and wellbeing. At this stage, the second man has not yet been accounted for, and we are doing all we can to try and find him to also ensure his safety and wellbeing.
“Residents will continue to see an increased police presence in and around the area as our investigation progresses. We are reviewing CCTV and doorbell footage, speaking to witnesses, and working closely with our partners including the Coastguard, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, and our specialist Underwater Search Team.
“As part of the investigation, the vehicle is believed to have been recently sold, with enquiries tracing this to a 65-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of obstructing the course of public justice. He has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.
“To assist with our enquiries, we ask anyone who recognises the description of events, believes they know who these men are, or has CCTV or doorbell footage or other information from the area at the relevant time to contact us on 101, quoting log 461 of 5 December.”
Information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.