FRANTIC SEARCH
Emergency services race to find kayaker ‘in distress’ on river in beauty spot
A MAJOR search operation is underway at a popular beauty spot following reports of a “kayaker in distress”.
Police, fire, and ambulance crews scrambled to the riverside in Tiverton, Devon, earlier this evening after the alarm was raised.
Emergency vehicles lined the riverbank as frantic searches for the kayaker on the River Exe got underway.
A helicopter reportedly joined the operation as Devon and Cornwall Police issued an appeal for information.
Cops asked for any witnesses or anyone that may have information that could assist the search to contact them immediately.
Officers are particularly keen to hear about anyone who was kayaking on the River Exe today, meeting points or launch locations, Devon and Cornwall Police said.
In an appeal, the force said: “At this time we are seeking any information that may assist, including:
“Meeting points or launch locations.
“Times and location of anyone kayaking on the River Exe today.
“Any other relevant details, no matter how small they seem.
“If you have any information that could help, please contact police immediately, quoting log: DCP-20260124-0511
“Thank you for your support.”
It comes amid a yellow weather warning covering Devon was issued as Storm Ingrid batters the country.
The storm is expected to plunge the nation into chaos with travel delays, power cuts, flooding and potentially snow forecast in the coming days.
In Devon, part of the historic Teignmouth Pier was destroyed by crashing waves and strong winds as the coast was battered by Storm Ingrid.
In the worst affected regions, 50mm of rain is expected to fall, while in other areas this is anticipated to reach 20-40mm.
Along the coast, winds may approach gale-force speeds, as they did yesterday.
Flooding is also anticipated to hit many parts of the UK, even outside of the weather warning regions.
There are 31 flood warnings in force across the country, where flooding is “expected”.
The Environment Agency has also released a further 155 flood alerts in areas where flooding is “possible”.
