Multi-agency River Dee search stood down after 'extensive enquiries' in Chester
By Dherran Titherington 29th May 2026
A multi-agency search operation has been stood down following reports that a person may have entered the River Dee in Chester on Wednesday evening.
Police were called at around 11.15pm on Wednesday 27 May to reports of a person seen on Grosvenor Bridge who was believed to have entered the river.
Cheshire Police, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, HM Coastguard and RNLI teams all attended the scene, alongside crews from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
Fire engines were deployed from Chester, Powey Lane, Tarporley, Knutsford and Penketh, supported by specialist resources including a rescue boat from Powey Lane, the Rapid Response Rescue Unit from Knutsford and Chester's aerial ladder platform. Search efforts also involved rafts, an RNLI lifeboat and underwater camera equipment.
A Cheshire Police spokesperson confirmed the incident has now been stood down "following extensive enquiries", adding that "it is not believed that anyone entered the river."
In an update issued on Thursday 29 May, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said crews had remained at the scene throughout the day alongside partner agencies as searches of the river continued. Despite extensive efforts, no person was located.
Firefighters left the scene at around 3pm, with Cheshire Police continuing to lead the incident.
A spokesperson for Cheshire Police previously said: "At around 11.15pm on Wednesday 27 May, police were called to reports of a person who had been seen on the Grosvenor Bridge, Chester, and was believed to have entered the River Dee.
"Officers attended and made a search of the area, along with Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Coastguard."
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