CONCERNED friends of missing Worcester student Thomas Jones have added their names to a petition calling for CCTV to be placed along the River Severn as the search for the teenager contiunes.
More than 11,000 people have added their names to the Change.org petition in a bid to ensure parents have piece of mind when their children begin University and especially during Fresher’s week.
The calls came a week into the investigation after the teenager from Bromsgrove went missing in the early hours of last Wednesday (September 19), sparking a major search across the city’s river bank.
Hundreds of people have shown their support on the Find Jonah Facebook page in a bid to find the Thomas. West Mercia Police believe the 18-year-old crossed Sabrina Bridge, which crosses the River Severn near to Worcester Racecourse, and then walked on to the footpath that runs along the top of the flood defences in Hylton Road in the direction of Hallow, just before 3.50am.
Two men arrested on suspicion of his murder have been released from custody and are no longer being treated as suspects.
Det Insp James Bayliss from West Mercia Police said: “The investigation into the disappearance of Thomas remains a priority and we are keeping an open mind as to the circumstances surrounding Thomas’s disappearance.
“This remains a missing person enquiry. I would like to thank the public of Worcester for their support and concern, the community response has been exceptional.
“We continue to search the area and I would reiterate that anyone with any information should contact the police as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, University of Worcester chiefs have confirmed a scheme which sees students being taken home for free by taxis in the early hours has been extended
The scheme sees uniformed security staff directing students to taxis which take them back to campus from 1.30am to 3.30am and runs during the one-week ‘freshers’ period, which concluded on Friday.
It will continue into this week to reassure students, the university said.
“Our whole university community is deeply concerned by Thomas’ disappearance,” it said in a statement.
“We will continue to do all we can to support students and staff affected by his disappearance and to work with his family and friends in every positive way
Witnesses or anyone with any information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Visit www.change.org and search for River Severn to sign the petition.
