Major operation underway as emergency services search for missing 24-year-old

UPDATED 8AM: The police helicopter has been searching the River Avon in West Wiltshire overnight after a suicidal man was reported missing yesterday.

Family and friends of 24-year-old Trowbridge man Kondwani Mwale are growing increasingly concerned for his welfare due to a suicide note left on social media at around 6pm.

In an earlier phone call with a friend, flowing water was heard. It sparked a search of the water ways between Bradford on Avon and Batheaston.

As a major operation is launched to find missing Kondwani, a road to a canal in Limpley Stoke was closed by a police car at 8.30pm, with blue lights in the distance.

The National Police Air Service helicopter has visited the area twice overnight and specialist water search volunteers from Wiltshire Search and Rescue are involved.

Police vehicle blocks a pitch-black path at Limpley Stoke on the Wiltshire border last night

He is described as black, of athletic build and five foot nine inches tall. It is believed he is wearing black jacket, dark top, grey jeans and carrying a black backpack.

If you have any information that could help officers locate Kondwani, please call 101 and quote reference number 54200107780. Call 999 in an emergency.

If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out for support. Contact the Samaritans in confidence and for free, 24 hours a day 365 days a year, on 116 123. You can also visit our page of Mental Health Helplines to view a list of relevant organisations.