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RACE AGAINST TIME

Divers scour river in hunt for uni student, 21, who vanished from pub over a week ago sparking major search

The student was last seen at the pub with his parents
An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Photo of missing student Sebastian Sailes

INVESTIGATORS have begun trawling local rivers in their hunt to find a missing student. 

Sebastian Sailes, 21, went missing on February 27 at 11:30pm after leaving the Black Horse Pub.

An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Family photo of Blair and Lindsay Sailes with their three sons, Connor, Bailey, and Sebastian
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Sebastian's family are 'praying' for his returnCredit: Chippenham Police
An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Two people in a rescue boat searching a river
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Investigators are searching local rivers, including the River AvonCredit: Wiltshire Search and Rescue
Illustration of a map showing the last known movements of a missing university student in Chippenham, England.
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The student was last seen walking along Lovers Walk in Chippenham, after leaving the pub.

His family have had no contact with him since.

As it has been nearly two weeks since Sebastian's disappearance, investigators have ramped up efforts to find the missing 21-year-old.

Divers are now trawling local rivers in the hopes of finding him.

Read More on Missing People

A spokesperson for the Oxfordshire rescue team said: "Today, our water unit has been requested in support of Wiltshire Search and Rescue in Chippenham.

"Working alongside Wiltshire Search and Rescue volunteers and specialist police officers the team deployed sonar capabilities throughout the day.

"Thanks go to Rapid Relief Team UK who were on hand to provide a hot meal and refreshments to our volunteers."

Wiltshire Search and Rescue have also said that their volunteers are helping in the search.

On March 3, uncovered a body in the River Avon during the search for Sebastian.

However, the body was later identified as a man in his 70s with no connection to the missing student.

Sebastian has been described as white, around 5ft 10in tall, with blonde/brown hair and a slim build.

He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a grey jumper, a beige fur-lined jacket and white Adidas trainers with a velcro strap.

Locals in the Avenue La Fleche area have been asked to give any information they have to the police.

Sebastian's family have made a public statement thanking volunteers and praying for their son's return.

They said: "We are a very close family and are all extremely anxious.

“We are unbelievably grateful for the efforts of the police and all the amazing volunteers.

“The public support has been heart-warming, and we appeal to anyone who may have information to contact Wiltshire Police immediately, in the hope that our beautiful boy is returned to us safe and sound."

Police have urged anyone living in the area to check their ring door bell footage.

Delivery drivers and taxi drivers have also been asked to come forward with any information that they may have.

It is hoped that this will give an indication of the route Sebastian was taking.

Read More on The Sun

Police believe that he headed south along Avon Valley Walk towards his home in Notton.

Then, they think he may have walked towards Rowden Hill.

An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Blurry security camera image of Sebastian Sailes walking away
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Sebastian was last seen wearing this outfitCredit: Chippenham Police
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