A police helicopter circled Bourne End and firefighters searched the River Thames in a bid to help find a missing 81-year-old man. 

Joseph Arthur was last seen in the Spade Oak pub in Coldmoorholme Lane at around 4.30pm to 5pm on Monday.

Mr Arthur is white, slim, approximately 5ft 8ins to 5ft 10ins, has grey hair, blue/grey eyes and a pale complexion.

No description of the clothing he was last seen wearing is currently available.

Officers are carrying out search activity in the area and working alongside other emergency services and the National Police Air Service helicopter to attempt to find him.

Bucks Fire's water rescue unit and crews from High Wycombe helped search for Mr Arthur near the river after they were called just before 8pm. 

A spokesman for Bucks Fire said crews were searching the river and the river bank for around three hours. 

Today, Bucks Search and Rescue crews and police have returned to the river to continue the search. 

Mr Arthur regularly visits The Rye and Downley Common however it is believed he could still be in the Bourne End area.

PC Ben Pearmain, based at High Wycombe police station, said: “I would like to speak to anyone who has seen someone matching Mr Arthur’s description or anyone with any information about his whereabouts.

"If you were walking or driving in the area or saw Joseph in the pub, please speak to officers.

“We are concerned for Mr Arthur’s welfare and we do not believe he has access to a vehicle.”

If you have any information about Joseph Arthur’s whereabouts, call the 24-hour Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101, quoting URN 1192 16/4.