Police divers to resume search of Wakefield river for missing Damion Vernon

The underwater search was launched in the river in Belle Vue, Wakefield earlier this month after police appeals for information to trace Damion Vernon failed to provide any leads.

Dad-of-two Mr Venon, 32, drove to Wakefield from his home in Bridlington on Monday, December 8.

Detectives said he left his blue Vauxhall Corsa, registration number YH51 FLL, parked on Sycamore Street, Belle Vue, later that day.

He then walked along an alleyway off Sycamore Street, which is close to the River Calder.

He was expected to return home to Bridlington the same day but his family has not heard from him since.

Mr Vernon’s brother Aaron, 35, said: “We are shaking with worry and anxiety all the time about what might have happened.

“We’re just praying they don’t pull him out of the river.”

Mr Vernon appealed directly to his brother to get in touch. He said: “No matter what the situation we just want Damion to come home.

“We’re a big enough family to sort whatever problems he’s got into. We just want to know he is safe.”

Det Ch Insp Matthew Baldwin, of Humberside Police, said: “We have now put out several appeals for information, but so far have drawn a blank.

“Our investigations have not found any sightings of Damion since he left his vehicle on Sycamore Street in Wakefield.

“We do not have any new specific intelligence to suggest that Damion has entered the River Calder but we are now having to look at the possibility that this may be the case.”

Mr Vernon is 6ft tall, slim and has short wavy light brown-coloured hair.

He was last seen wearing a mustard-coloured bodywarmer, a green long-sleeved woollen jumper and jeans.

Anyone with any information should contact Humberside Police on 101 quoting log number 438 of December 9.