Major River Mersey search after reports body of man seen near Pier Head

HM Coastguard and Merseyside emergency services launched a major search operation following reports the body of a man was spotted in the River Mersey near Pier Head on Sunday morning.

A search and rescue helicopter was employed to patrol the river and emergency service personnel were spotted at the Mersey Ferry terminal at around 10am. A major co-ordinated search of the water is ongoing, including RNLI teams from New Brighton and Hoylake.

Merseyside Police police, the Coastguard, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service and North West Ambulance Service were all on the scene at Pier Head following the initial call.

A police statement said: "We can confirm that emergency services are responding to a concern for safety at the Royal Albert Dock today, Sunday 11 February. Just before 9.50am, we were called to a report that what appeared to be the body of a man had been seen in the River Mersey.

"Coastguard, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, North West Ambulance Service and Merseyside Police are currently at the scene and a search of the water is ongoing."