By Lucy Caulkett-
Authorities in Hull have mounted a large-scale operation to locate two men who vanished into the River Hull on the night of Friday 5 December, after a police pursuit ended with their car crashing into a wall. The search, described as “urgent” by officials, involves police patrols, marine units, fire crews and a specialist underwater team but as of Sunday afternoon no sign of the men had been found.
Around 8:25 pm on Friday evening, officers from Humberside Police attempted a routine traffic stop in Hull, after noticing a vehicle with a defective rear light. The driver failed to pull over and a short chase ensued, ending when the car collided with a wall on Charlotte Street. Witnesses reported seeing both occupants flee the scene on foot shortly after the crash.
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Investigators believe the two men entered the River Hull at around 8:30 pm, just minutes after the collision. According to statements from the police, the men were last seen heading into the adjacent waterway. 
A search for Two Men in River Hull after police chase
Within minutes of receiving the report, a major search operation was launched. The authorities have described the men as “extremely vulnerable,” raising deep concern for their welfare. The response has mobilised a broad coalition of services including the coastguard, the Humberside Fire and Rescue Service and a specialised underwater search team.
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A spokesperson leading the operation, Andy Crawforth, appealed to the public for help, requesting anyone with CCTV footage, door-bell camera recordings, or relevant eyewitness accounts to contact police on the non-emergency number.
Residents in the area especially near a nearby college and local businesses have been informed to expect an increased police presence over the weekend while the search continues.
Concern grows as hours pass without trace
As search efforts extend into a second day, authorities face growing uncertainty. The stretch of river where the men are believed to have entered is known for strong currents and poor visibility, complicating underwater search efforts. The use of sonar equipment, dog teams, and underwater divers reflects the seriousness with which emergency services are treating the case.
In a public statement, Detective Inspector Andy Crawforth emphasised the urgency: “We are extremely concerned for their welfare.” Police made clear that the priority remains locating and identifying the two individuals, while urging anyone with information no matter how minor to come forward.
Local community members have expressed shock at how the chase and subsequent river plunge unfolded so quickly. Neighbours, students and business owners near Charlotte Street have described Saturday as a tense day, with emergency vehicles repeatedly passing by and helicopters overhead. While some hope the men may surface or be found quickly, others fear the worst.
The incident has reignited debate about public safety, policing, and river hazards at night. Critics have asked whether greater caution should be taken during pursuits near waterways, given the risk to both suspects and bystanders. Law-enforcement officials defended their initial traffic stop as routine, but accepted the tragic outcome underscores the unpredictable dangers of car chases.
At present, search teams continue to comb the river and its banks, with renewed sweeps scheduled at first light. Anyone with information including CCTV, door-bell camera footage, dash-cam video or relevant sightings is urged to contact Humberside Police quoting log 461 of 5 December.
The families of the two missing men have not issued public statements. Meanwhile the wider community remains on edge, hoping for a safe outcome even as each hour passes without word. The search continues.
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