Search for missing man continues near storm-flooded ford

Mountain rescue units are conducting a search for an individual who went missing in a location inundated by floodwaters during Storm Darragh. Northumbria Police stated that “extensive inquiries” commenced following reports received on Sunday regarding the welfare of a man in his 40s. Both the North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team and the Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team confirmed the participation of 22 volunteers in the search operation conducted near Alnwick. The teams have been thoroughly searching the vicinity of Abberwick ford, a point where a minor road traverses the River Aln, situated close to the village of Bolton within North Northumberland. A spokesperson for Northumbria Police commented: “On Sunday, we received a report in relation to concern for the welfare of a man in his 40s.” “Extensive inquiries have been ongoing since then, including searches being carried out, and these continue.” Storm Darragh delivered severe weather conditions across the UK starting in the early hours of Saturday morning, leading to the issuance of multiple flood warnings. Both road and rail transportation experienced disruptions, and thousands of individuals throughout the UK were left without electricity. In unrelated incidents, two men lost their lives when trees collapsed onto their vehicles. Along the Northumberland coast, wind gusts reaching 58mph were recorded, and over 48mm of rainfall was measured at Redesdale Camp on Saturday. The Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service responded to numerous calls concerning fallen trees, electricity outages, and roads impacted by surface water flooding. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.