Search for crash driver in river

Paul Cousins' jacket was found in the marina area of the river

A man who fled from the scene of an eight-car crash is still missing three days after he was seen to jump into the River Thames, police have said.

The multiple collision happened in Thames Ditton, Surrey, on Saturday.

Police said a silver Vauxhall collided with seven other cars in Portsmouth Road and its driver, 25-year-old Paul Cousins, left the car and ran.

Witnesses said he was seen in the river for several minutes before he disappeared beneath the surface.

Underwater search

Shortly beforehand, Mr Cousins and the passenger in his car, a family friend, had been pursued by three or four drivers.

The other man returned to the scene while Mr Cousins, who is from the Thames Ditton area and a carpenter by trade, did not.

Surrey Police mounted a large-scale search for him, which included the use of a police helicopter, police dogs, and the river police, as well as assistance from the Metropolitan Police.

Searches continued over the weekend, and into the week, when an underwater search team was also deployed.

'Tragic accident' possible

Mr Cousins' jacket containing personal belongings was found in the marina area of the river.

Police said it was not known whether a "tragic accident" had taken place, or whether he had resurfaced from the river and left the area.

He is described as 5 ft 9 in tall and of stocky build and has a blue tattoo around his upper left arm in the shape of a wave.

He was last seen wearing white trainers, blue jeans and a thin jumper.

He was due to join the London Fire Brigade as a firefighter this week.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Surrey Police.