Police have now confirmed that the trawling of the River Tees was in connection with the search for the body of missing Stockton man Andrew Stones.
The 42-year-old was last seen on October 20, 2020, on Norton Road, close to the Buffs Social Club in Stockton.
Searches are now concluded at St Marks Basin in Stockton in connection with the ongoing Andrew Stones inquiry.
Detective Chief Inspector Shaun Page said: “Andrew remains missing. Extensive police inquiries have already been conducted and the search this week has been based on information and intelligence.
“This search has now concluded and I would continue to urge anyone with information to contact us with any information that they may have which could lead us to locate Andrew.”
Read more: Police remain tight-lipped about major investigation at River Tees
Andrew’s family have been kept fully informed and they are being supported by specially trained officers.
Following his disappearance, extensive searches were carried out on scrubland in the Dunmail Road area of the town in an attempt to trace the body of Mr Stones.
While friends and family were also spoken to as detectives attempt to piece together the final movements of his life.
Enquiries led to the arrest of two men on suspicion of Andrew’s murder. The men, both aged 42 and from the Stockton area, have now been released without charge.
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Last October, Andrew’s mum, Trisha Stones, said: “Andrew, please come home. I want you home. I really, really miss you. I really want you back.
"I still have your Christmas presents from last year. If anyone has any information or knows anything, please come forward to police.”
The force has carried out house to house enquiries, CCTV trawls, and searches of both private and commercial premises, including the use of the drone, National Police Air Service and specially trained search officers.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101, or Crimestoppers at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.
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