Police and fire crews searched the River Thames at Walton Bridge last night, after a boat seen to be carrying two youths was found abandoned.

Officers were called to the scene just before 5pm on Tuesday, March 26, after a member of the public reported seeing a boat with two male youths on board, who looked like they were trying to make it to the shore against the current.

A search was launched by police and crews from Walton and Sunbury fire stations went out on to the river and searched from Cowey Sale to Sunbury Lock.

Brennan McCallion, firefighter at Walton VC, said: “It was never confirmed that there were two persons in the water but were working on the worst case scenario.

“We used the equipment we had, which was thermal cameras, underwater cameras and search lights.

“We didn’t find anything and were on the river until 9:30pm at which point the decision was made to hand over to SGI (specialist group international) who were in the river for a further one hour.

“The incident was brought to a close at 10:30. No persons were located at that point.”

A police helicopter was also deployed.

A boat believed to match the description of the one seen by the member of the public has been recovered and officers are keen to speak to the two youths who were on board to ensure their safety.

If you were the two boys on board the boat, know who they are or you have any information, please contact Surrey Police as a matter of urgency on 101, quoting incident reference P13087378.