Searches continue into fourth week for Josh Cotton

The 22-year-old was last seen at Sawley Marina on Friday March 11 and since then searches have taken place throughout the area to try and locate him.

Scores of people have responded to appeals that have been made over the last three weeks and contacted police with information.

Josh lived on his narrowboat, The Spirit, at the marina and was last seen at around 4pm on the bank close by.

Since his disappearance specialist officers have conducted eight dives into the marina, canal and River Trent. The helicopter has been searching over the marina and nearby areas of the canal and river have been searched using specialist sonar equipment.

Officers will continue to search the banks of the Trent and further river search is due to be carried out next week.

Detective Inspector Matt Ditcher, who leads the Missing Person Team, said: “We have done extensive enquiries to try and find Josh, but unfortunately have so far not been able to locate him.

“Our searches will continue into next week and we would urge anyone who has information on where he may be, or thinks they have seen him, to contact us.

“I’d like to thank all the people who have come forward so far and would ask people to continue contacting us if they think they have information.

“I’d also like to thank Leicestershire Search and Rescue who have assisted in the searches.”

Josh is 5ft 4” tall and of skinny build. He was last seen wearing black jogging bottoms, dark grey high top trainers, and a short brown hooded coat with fur along the seams and above the pockets.

If you’ve seen someone matching Josh’s description, or have information about his disappearance, call police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111