PSNI warn people to stay off railway tracks in search for Jack Glenn

The PSNI has issued advice for anyone joining the search for Jack Glenn in Derry - Londonderry. 

The 23 year old is understood to have entered the River Foyle shortly before midday on Thursday. 

Thousands of people have joined his family to search the river and surrounding banks since then. 

However, the emergency services are warning people not to put themselves or others at risk when taking part in the search. 

Inspector Tony Moore said: “Police are aware of the strength of feeling around this missing persons enquiry and the great public support at this time is a testament to our city. While we appreciate the help we and our specialist partner agencies are being offered as we search the river, I would ask those members of the public to bear the following in mind.

Advice from @Foylerescue for anyone joining the search for Jack, groups will continue to leave from the Peace Bridge every hour #getjackback pic.twitter.com/MNm1kKfvbk

— Rebekah Logan (@Rebekah_Logan) February 4, 2017

Inspector Moore continued: “Specialist search experts are involved in this, they know the river and its currents and banks due to extensive training and experience.

“The banks of the Foyle are dangerous, just like the water, conditions change rapidly and if you are not properly equipped you could find yourself at risk. Most of the Banks are reached via private property which you require permission to use, you should bear this in mind as it includes fields and laneways, you could be liable for any damage or injury to livestock on such property.

“The River Foyle is tidal and also one of the fastest in Europe, if you are considering putting a vessel of any kind onto the water you should consider whether you are experienced enough to do so, and if you are, is your vessel equipped properly for search and rescue purposes. Again, there are expert search teams involved following established protocols, if you don’t really know what you are doing you may hinder the search and put yourself or others at risk. Also please bear in mind large commercial vessels using the Port of Londonderry which could put you at risk on the water."

The search for Jack Glenn will continue in Derry today, groups moving off from the Peace Bridge every hour from 9am #GetJackBack pic.twitter.com/CCvw03L37j

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) February 4, 2017

“We have already had several incidents with persons traversing the railway lines to reach the riverside, on one occasion the Train Driver had to hit the emergency brakes to avoid persons on the track and this puts NIR staff, passengers and persons on the track at risk, please stay off the railway lines at all times", he said.

“Whilst we appreciate this is a difficult time for everyone I would ask that the public allow us and our partner agencies to carry out this search and if you really want to help please liaise with the relevant rescue agencies and follow their instructions and do everything as safely as possible."

Can you please RT the updated signposting card #ItsOkNotToBeOk #itsgoodtotalk pic.twitter.com/l0kmdcfLPu

— Foyle Search& Rescue (@Foylerescue) February 3, 2017