River Stour searched for man over possible river fall
River Stour 'man in river' search called off
(about 7 hours later)
A search is being carried out for a man who is believed to have fallen into the River Stour in Dorset.
A search for a man reported to have fallen into the River Stour in Dorset has been called off.
Portland Coastguard has been co-ordinating the search near Iford Bridge, in Christchurch, since about 19:00 GMT on New Year's Day.
Portland Coastguard had been co-ordinating the search near Iford Bridge, in Christchurch, since about 19:00 GMT on New Year's Day.
A rescue helicopter, inshore lifeboat and the Wick ferry have all been involved in the search.
A spokesman said no one had been reported missing and the search would only resume if information emerged about a missing person.
Southbourne Coastguard Rescue Team with Dorset Police and the fire service have been searching the river and its banks.
All teams were stood down at about 22:00 GMT.
Jennet Chisholm, Portland Coastguard watch manager, said: "All the rescue units are working in very challenging conditions with rain and strong winds, but so far have been unable to find any sign of a missing man."
A rescue helicopter, RNLI, coastguards, police, fire crews and the Wick ferry spent three hours scouring the river and its banks.
'Increasingly concerned'
Jennet Chisholm, Portland Coastguard watch manager, said all the rescue units were "working in very challenging conditions with rain and strong winds, but so far have been unable to find any sign of a missing man".
Meanwhile a major search is continuing for a missing woman who was last seen at her home in Poole Road, Upton, in the early hours of New Year's Day.
The search for Sabrina Boulenouar, 33, has taken place in gale-force winds across 100 acres of Dorset woodland and shoreline.
A Dorset Police spokesman said they were "increasingly concerned" for her welfare.
The search around Upton Country Park has involved police, coastguard teams, and Dorset Search and Rescue.
