Officers have been carrying out ”extensive searches and CCTV enquiries’ and believe at least ‘one of the men managed to exit the water’
Police say they believe one of the two men who were seen entering the River Hull on Friday night (December 5) managed to get out of the water but the second “has not yet been accounted for”. The men fled after a “short pursuit” when uniformed officers on patrol attempted to stop the vehicle they were travelling in for a routine check when it was seen to have a “defective rear light”.
The car failed to stop and, following the pursuit, it collided with a wall in Charlotte Street. The men then ran away on foot and “are believed to have entered the River Hull” nearby at around 8.30pm.
A search was immediately launched involving patrol officers, the Coastguard, Humberside Fire and Rescue and the Humberside Police specialist Underwater Search Team. In the days since, further enquiries have been carried out and detectives now believe one of the men managed to get out of the water close to Great Union Street.
On Tuesday, Senior Investigating Officer, 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.”