Volunteer team to help in missing people search
A volunteer search and rescue team has been formed to help find vulnerable and missing people in East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire.
Humberside Search and Rescue (HUMBSAR) volunteers will support police-led searches and emergency response operations, bosses said.
The team, which is currently being recruited, will be based at Humberside Fire and Rescue Service’s headquarters in Hessle, East Yorkshire.
Nick Granger, managing director of HFR Solutions CIC, which teamed up with Humberside Police to launch the initiative, said: “By bringing together qualified volunteers and emergency services, we are strengthening our collective ability to support vulnerable people at the moments that matter most.”
After the training, volunteers will be warned about incidents using a mobile phone application. They will be in communication with the police through the radios provided.
Initially, 50 volunteers will be deployed to assist police in searches around residential areas, rural areas, forest areas and water bodies.
Officials said the team could recruit 50 more volunteers next year.
Granger added: “Our aim is to provide a reliable 24/7 capacity, 365 days a year, that supports police and protects our communities when needed.
“This initiative is about partnership, professionalism and community. We’re incredibly proud to be working with Humberside Police to create something that will make a real difference to our area.”
‘Vital role’
According to the charity Missing People, 160,000 people are reported missing every year in the UK.
Chantal Korcz, spokesperson for the charity, said: “We are delighted to see HUMBSAR being established by HFR Solutions CIC in partnership with Humberside Police.
“We have worked with lowland rescue teams across the UK and appreciate the vital role professionally trained volunteer search teams play in locating vulnerable missing people safely and quickly.
“Being able to deploy a service like this is crucial to reducing harm, protecting vulnerable people and ensuring individuals can access the right support as quickly as possible.”
You can find more information about volunteer roles at HUMBSAR here. Here.
Listen to the highlights Hull and East Yorkshire or lincolnshire Watch on BBC Sounds The last episode of Look North.
Download the BBC News app from: App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices
