Major police search for person spotted in Preston Docks ends with discovery of partially submerged compost bin

A major police search for a person spotted in Preston Docks has concluded with the discovery of a partially submerged compost bin.
By Matthew Calderbank
Published 18th Feb 2020, 09:09 BST
Updated 18th Feb 2020, 09:23 BST
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A massive police search was undertaken at around 8pm yesterday (February 17) after a person was reported to be in the water at Preston Docks.

Lancashire Police responded by mobilising the NPAS helicopter, drone unit, Tac Ops team, underwater marine unit and dog unit to assist with the search.

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Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) was also called out to help with the search at Preston Docks.

It said a boat and two fire engines from Preston and Penwortham attended on standby to assist the police.

They were in attendance for around one hour before being stood down.

After several hours of searching, a drone operated by Tac Ops identified a heat source at Fishwick Golf Club, near Brockholes Brow.

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Patrols were guided onto the golf course and the heat trace was identified, but the source was established as being unrelated to the search.

A major police search took place last night (February 17) after a report of a person in Preston Docks, including a drone which helped identify heat sources. Pic: Lancashire PoliceA major police search took place last night (February 17) after a report of a person in Preston Docks, including a drone which helped identify heat sources. Pic: Lancashire Police
A major police search took place last night (February 17) after a report of a person in Preston Docks, including a drone which helped identify heat sources. Pic: Lancashire Police

Divers with North West Police Underwater Search and Marine Unit also entered the basin at Preston Docks, whilst Penwortham boat crew launched its craft into the River Ribble.

This morning, police confirmed that a partially submerged compost bin has been recovered in Preston Docks.

It is not clear at this stage whether police are still searching for a missing person, or whether the search has been concluded with the discovery of the bin.

Lancashire Police has been approached for comment.