Search teams out for missing Chippenham man (From This Is Wiltshire)

Search teams out for missing Chippenham man

10:53am Wednesday 17th March 2010 in

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Police and Wiltshire Search and Rescue teams carried out a detailed search for clues to the whereabouts of Chippenham gym instructor Donavan Van Lill last night.

More than 40 volunteers from the search and rescue team (WILSAR) spent hours combing footpaths and cycle routes in the hope of finding anything that might lead police to find Mr Van Lill, who has not been seen for two weeks.

Search advisor sergeant Dave Stevenson said: "There is a very large and active inquiry going on in the search for Donovan.

"To date we have been out searching with police dogs, and we have previously been out with the helicopter and search units.

"This is the first time we have got WILSAR involved in this particular search, but we have had a lot of success with them in the past."

Four groups spent several hours searching a one kilometre square area, covering areas between Scotts Mill, The Wharf, Derry Farm and Middle Lodge Cottages.

DS Stevenson said: "We have identified from our inquiries that as a personal trainer he is a very active person, and one of his running routes took him towards Lacock on the cycle route, so these are the areas we need to search."

Mr Van Lill, a gym instructor and personal trainer at The Olympiad in Chippenham, has not been seen since 8.30am on March 3 at his home in Blackthorn Mews, Pewsham.

Friends and police officers are becoming increasingly concerned about his safety, and anyone with any information is urged to call Wiltshire Police on 0845 4087000.