A significant multi-agency emergency operation unfolded in Wolverhampton on Sunday evening following alarming reports of a person in the water near a popular leisure complex.
Large-Scale Response Launched
Emergency services raced to the scene off Bentley Bridge Way in Wednesfield at around 8.10pm on Sunday, January 4. The urgent call-out was sparked by concerns for an individual's safety in the canal network. A substantial contingent of police officers, firefighters, and paramedics swiftly descended on the Bentley Bridge Leisure Park area.
The West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed it received the call at 8.18pm and deployed considerable resources. These included two ambulances, two paramedic officers, the Air Ambulance critical care car, and the service's specialist Hazardous Area Response Team (HART).
Extensive Search Concludes With No Trace
Responders immediately began what authorities described as an 'extensive' search of the area. Crews worked together meticulously, scouring the location for any sign of a casualty. Despite their thorough efforts, no person was located in the water or the immediate vicinity.
Following the initial search, emergency teams were stood down from the immediate incident. A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service stated: "Following a thorough search alongside police and fire colleagues, no patient was found, and we were stood down."
Follow-Up Search Planned for Monday Morning
Although the initial response concluded, the operation was not completely closed. West Midlands Police confirmed that crews would return to the area on the morning of Monday, January 5 to conduct further checks. This follow-up search was intended to provide absolute certainty and ensure no one remained unaccounted for.
A police spokesperson explained: "Officers alongside fire and ambulance colleagues carried out extensive searches but no one was located. Crews are returning to the area this morning to continue searches and ensure there is no one unaccounted for."
The incident caused a notable disruption in the Bentley Bridge area, with multiple emergency vehicles visible at the leisure park. Authorities have not provided any further details on the source of the original report.
