Emergency Services Conduct Major Search After Car Crashes into Marine Lake During Police Chase

At 4:30am this morning, Saturday 1st February, Southport Offshore Rescue Trust (Southport Lifeboat) was called out to assist in a major search operation after a vehicle crashed into Marine Lake following a police pursuit involving Merseyside Police.

Southport Lifeboat’s quad team was tasked with searching the perimeter of the lake, working in coordination with Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, and HM Coastguard Southport. Their Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) drone was deployed to provide aerial support, using thermal imaging and a spotlight to aid in locating any potential casualties.

Southport Lifeboat Crew Members in the spotlight with the Drone

As the search progressed, Southport Lifeboat launched its inshore lifeboat (ILB) to conduct a thorough examination of the lake’s islands and retrieve several items of interest from the water. Despite the extensive efforts of all emergency services involved, no person was found.

At 6am, after more than an hour and a half of coordinated searching, all agencies were stood down. Investigations into the incident remain ongoing.

UPDATE From Merseyside Police:

We can confirm that following enquiries, the driver of the Mercedes has been identified and arrested.

The 29-year-old man, from #Southport, was arrested on suspicion of Dangerous driving; Failing to stop after an accident; Perverting the course of justice; and Drink Driving. He has been taken to a police station for questioning.

Thanks for the patience of residents and visitors to Southport. All the roads have been reopened.

Original release

We are appealing for information following a single vehicle road traffic collision in Southport in the early hours of this morning, Saturday 1 February.At around 3.50am, a Mercedes collided into barriers at the Marine Lake, ending up partially submerged in the water, and causing damage to the bandstand. The driver has not been located, following an extensive search, supported by the Coastguard, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) and the National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter.

Around five minutes prior, a silver vehicle matching this description was sighted by police on High Park Place, Southport travelling at excess speed, before making off. Albany Road and Southport Promenade are both closed. Thank you for your patience as we deal with this incident.

Matrix Roads Policing Sergeant Kyle Sayers said: "We are carrying out urgent enquiries to establish that the driver is safe and well, supported by the other emergency services.”

“If you live nearby or were passing and saw the vehicle or anyone making off from the marine lake or in the area, please contact us right away with any information, footage or images to assist."

Anyone with information is asked to contact @MerPolCC or 101 with reference 25000085908.