A LARGE search for a missing man was scaled down after police viewed CCTV footage which appeared to show him and his dog being swept into the sea.
Gareth Jones from Hove was reported missing on Saturday afternoon, sparking a huge operation in which emergency teams scoured the Brighton and Hove shoreline into the early hours of yesterday morning.
Police, coastguard, lifeboat crews and volunteers resumed the search at first light, but to no avail.
Shortly after 4.30pm, Sussex Police announced the search had been scaled back after officers were shown CCTV footage which appeared to show Gareth being swept into the sea, alongside his brown cockapoo.
A force spokeswoman said: “Officers investigating the matter have viewed CCTV from the area where he was last seen, and believe it shows Gareth and his dog sadly getting swept out to sea.
“Despite extensive searches involving Sussex Police, HM Coastguard, lifeboat crews and search and rescue volunteers, neither Gareth nor his dog have been found.
“Coastguard and lifeboat crews have been stood down from the search, but police officers and volunteers are continuing to search the coastline.
“Sussex Police would like to thank all of those involved with the search, including members of partner agencies and the many volunteers who have offered support.”
Gareth was last seen walking his dog by Fish, a fishmongers near Portslade seafront, at about 1pm on Saturday.
An appeal for information on his wherabouts was issued by Sussex Police on the evening he went missing, with the words being shared hundreds of times by concerned people in the Brighton and Hove community.
Many sent their thoughts and messages of support to the family as the search continued.
But, at about 4pm yesterday, Gareth’s daughter Rhian Jones posted a heartbreaking update on social media addressing all those who had helped her family with their search efforts.
She said: “We have had the worst news. Please stand down all search efforts.
“Thank you everyone for all of your help and support.
“We will need you all more than ever now.”
Tributes to missing Hove man Gareth Jones
Search efforts for Hove man Gareth Jones were scaled down yesterday afternoon after police viewed CCTV footage which appeared to show the 69-year-old and his dog being swept out to sea. You can leave your tributes to Gareth and messages of support for his family below.
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