Police search river for missing woman

A search for a 21-year-old woman believed to have been swept away by a river swollen by recent storms will begin again today, police said.

The woman went into the River Usk near Watergate Bridge, Brecon, at 7pm on Saturday night and yesterday police, fire brigades and mountain rescue teams searched a mile long stretch of fast flowing water.

Yesterday rescue teams searched the river and the riverbank on foot, in kayaks and in helicopters.

The search was called off last night due to fading light and will recommence this morning, Dyfed-Powys Police said.

Insp Mark Davies, who is in charge of the search, said: "We are investigating the full circumstances of why the female was in the river and are concentrating all efforts on trying to find her.

"The helicopter and police search dogs are involved as well as appliances and assistants from other agencies.

"I would urge members of the public to stay away from the river edge, the conditions are very slippery and muddy and we do not want anyone else to end up in the river."

A statement from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service yesterday said the search was concentrating on a mile long stretch of the river and police were talking to a male witness.

"We have sent patrol units, two pumping appliances and two fire service rescue boats," it said.

The river was too swollen for the boats to be used initially, it added. A spokeswoman for the Environment Agency Wales said there is a flood watch on the River Usk.

She said: "A flood watch is currently in place on the river and we are continuing to monitor the situation."

There are four flood warnings on rivers across Wales and 19 flood watches, according to the Environment Agency website.