Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Monday 14th April 2025 at 18:20hrs
Lancashire Police have today announced that the extensive search for 80-year-old Brian Fletcher, who went missing in the Tockholes area over three weeks ago, has been temporarily stood down.
Mr. Fletcher, a keen walker and bird watcher from Bury, travelled to the Tockholes area on Saturday, March 22nd, and has not been seen since.
His car was discovered parked in a layby on the A675, near Tockholes Road, prompting a large-scale search operation covering approximately 36 square kilometres of challenging terrain, including moorland, woodland, watercourses, and reservoirs.
Since Mr. Fletcher was reported missing, Lancashire Police have deployed a significant number of resources in their efforts to locate him.
These efforts have included local officers, specialist search dogs from both Lancashire and Greater Manchester Police, the police helicopter and plane, the police drone team, the North West police underwater search team, and the mounted branch.
The search teams have also been supported by a dedicated multi-agency response, with invaluable assistance provided by Bolton Mountain Rescue, Bowland and Pennine Mountain Rescue, Rossendale Mountain Rescue, Holme Valley Mountain Rescue, Calder Valley Mountain Rescue, and Oldham Mountain Rescue.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service also contributed with their service dogs, and the Coastguard helicopter was utilized in the aerial searches.
Police have expressed their sincere gratitude to all the partner agencies and the members of the public who have assisted in the difficult and extensive search.
They also confirmed that dashcam and CCTV footage from the area has been thoroughly reviewed as part of the investigation.
In a statement released today, Lancashire Police said, “Whilst we have now exhausted all search enquiries and so for the moment the searches have been stood down, we will of course continue to act on any new information reported to us.”
Brian’s family have been informed of this development and are said to be fully understanding of the current situation.
They have conveyed their deep appreciation for the extensive efforts undertaken by the police and all involved agencies, as well as the kindness and assistance offered by members of the public.
Lancashire Police have indicated that re-searches of the area may be conducted in the future should environmental conditions change or if any new information comes to light.
They are continuing to appeal to anyone who may have been in the Tockholes area and seen anything that could assist in finding Brian.
They are particularly interested in speaking to anyone who was in the area on Saturday, March 22nd, and remembers seeing someone matching his description.
At the time he went missing, Brian is believed to have been wearing a tan-coloured cap, blue jumper, and cargo trousers.
Anyone with information, no matter how small, is urged to contact Lancashire Police on 101, quoting log number 1544 of March 22nd.
G2K INCIDENT WATCH 