A major emergency service response descended on the Portway after a man reportedly fell into the River Avon today (April 20). Multiple witnesses reported to police that a man fell into the water at around 1pm.
Their search has been temporarily paused due to the river's tide. A few officers remain at the scene and the man has not yet been found.
Police cars, ambulances, the fire service, coastguard boats and a police helicopter were all involved in the search. The road was partially blocked until around 2.50pm when it reopened, although police say that delays remain.
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An eyewitness contacted Bristol Live at 1.32pm and said: "6 police, 5 ambulances, 4 fire engines and 2 rescue boat units on Hotwell Road under the bridge". Another said: "Big police and fire response under Clifton suspension bridge - helicopter is up too".
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Constabulary said: "Emergency services have been searching the River Avon following reports of a man in the water. Police were called just before 1pm on Wednesday 20 April by a number of witnesses reporting seeing a man fall.
"Officers and crews from the fire and rescue service, ambulance service and the coastguard have searched along the Portway, supported by the National Police Air Service helicopter but have found no trace of the individual. The Portway remains open but there are delays."
