A extensive search effort, involving the coastguard, is ongoing for a man who has gone missing after his car was discovered abandoned near a river.
The search operation for George Norwell, a 77-year-old man who disappeared in Preston over the weekend, involves the participation of police, firefighters, and coastguard teams in and around the River Ribble. Norwell was last seen in Whittle-le-Woods, Preston, at 9:30 am on Saturday.
Authorities believe that George drove his blue Ford Focus to the Boulevard area of Preston around 10:30 am. The vehicle was later found near the River Ribble by a member of the public, but George was not inside.
A coastguard helicopter, along with rescue teams from Lytham St Annes and Southport, has been conducting search operations in the area. Residents in Preston and South Ribble were alerted in the early hours of Sunday by the presence of the helicopter circling the vicinity.
Police express deep concern for George’s well-being and are urging anyone who may have seen him to contact emergency services immediately. George is described as 5 feet 9 inches tall, slender, with white hair.
He was last seen wearing a maroon tartan padded jacket with fleece lining, a maroon t-shirt, and dark pants, carrying a cream square shoulder bag with dark brown buckles.
In a statement released on Sunday night, Preston Police emphasized their increasing concern for George’s safety and urged the public to report any sightings. Anyone with information about George’s whereabouts, particularly in the Boulevard area, is asked to contact authorities and reference log 1280 of October 4, 2025.