Police are asking residents in the Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge area to check outbuildings and sheds, and motorists to review their dash cam footage, amid an ongoing search for missing man Dean Tate today (Monday).
Mr Tate, 40, pictured above, has been missing since 10pm on Friday evening (February 23rd) and a huge search operation is underway.
The search has involved Police, Avon and Somerset Search and Rescue, HM Coastguard, BARB Search & Rescue, the RNLI, the fire service, and Devon and Cornwall Police, as pictured here.
A search of the banks of the River Brue, Parret and Huntspill underway
Detective Sergeant Grant Boyd said: “Dean’s disappearance is out of character and we’re increasingly concerned for his welfare.”
“We continue to need the public’s help and are now asking people in the area to check their sheds and garages in case Dean has sought shelter there.”
“We’re also keen for motorists who may have driven through the Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge areas between 10pm on Friday and this morning to review their footage for signs of Dean.”
Dean is white, 5ft 8ins tall, of medium build with short dark brown hair and brown eyes. When he was last seen he was wearing a black short-sleeved T-shirt with badges on the arms, black jeans and black Nike trainers. He also wore a heavy brown leather Superdry jacket.
DS Boyd added: “Specialist police search advisors are co-ordinating the search and we’re using a significant amount of resources, including the police helicopter and dogs.”
“Colleagues from Avon and Somerset Search and Rescue, HM Coastguard, BARB Search & Rescue, the RNLI, Avon Fire and Rescue and Devon and Cornwall Police are also assisting our efforts to find Dean.”
Pictured: The fire service searching a drain at Apex Park’s lakes
He added: “We strongly urge any members of the public who wish to help, to think of their own personal safety before looking for Dean.
“There are several watercourses in the area and the water at this time of year can be icy cold and very dangerous to even the young and fit. Please don’t put yourself at risk.”
If you see Dean, or have information which could help the Police, call 101 and provide the call handler with the reference 5218042329.
Pictured: BARB’s multi-terrain vehicle was used to scour river banks
A Coastguard spokesman added: “This is an ongoing incident and we are aware that there are many concerned members of the public. We ask that anyone out searching doesn’t risk their own safety.”
“Please stay away from the edge of any water and away from muddy areas, we don’t want people becoming casualties as this will also divert resources from the task in hand. If you have any new information then dial 101 and quote Ref:5218042329.”
Dean’s partner, Sarah Jane Reeve, and children say they are “extremely worried”. “We just want him home safe,” they said in a social media post on Saturday. “If anyone has seen Dean Tate please let me know – me and the kids are extremely worried.”
Crews investigating footprints across the mud in the River Brue
A foot search involving Coastguards and BARB crews along the coastline
Avon and Somerset Search & Rescue set up their base at Apex Park
The RNLI was also called out to search river banks and the estuary
The lifeboat crew near the Clyce in Highbridge on Sunday afternoon
The fire service’s boat searching the banks of Apex Park’s lakes on Sunday
