THE body of an elderly man has been found in the River Avon.
It was discovered today by surprise during a search for missing blond-haired 21-year-old Sebastian Sailes.
Officers confirmed that the body – a man aged in his 70s – was not the main subject of the search for Sebastian who has been missing for four days and an extensive search for his whereabouts was continuing.
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.
A cordon was set up around the body to allow for inquiries to take place and has now been lifted.
“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, aged 21 years, was last seen leaving the Black Horse Pub in Chippenham at about 11:30pm on Thursday night and was captured on CCTV heading towards Lovers Walk.
“He is then thought to have headed south along Avon Valley Walk towards his home address in Notton.
“Sebastian is described as white, around 5ft 10ins tall, slim build, with blond/brown hair with a long fringe.
“He was last seen wearing a grey jumper, blue jeans, a beige fur lined jacket and white Adidas trained with a Velcro strap across the top.”
