POLICE looking for missing student George Ford have been searching the canal in Stroud this evening.

Witnesses say officers were using boats and cranes to search a stretch of water at Wallbridge. 

Four boats were seen as well as several fire and rescue applicances.

Dog handlers were also being used.

The last boat has now been removed from the water and it appears the operation is winding down.

George, 20, of Slad Road, Stroud has not been seen since around 3am on Sunday.

Click on the link below to see a photograph taken by SNJ reporter Hayley Mortimer at the scene tonight.

https://twitter.com/hmortimersnj/status/281145802263523329/photo/1