THE search for a father who vanished three weeks ago today is being scaled back after a major investigation involving several agencies failed to find any trace of the Islander.
Thomas Frost has not been seen since he left his parents’ house – possibly barefoot – at L’Etacq on the night of Saturday 11 February.
Yesterday a specialist police dive team returned to the UK after scouring several bodies of water, including large irrigation ponds and Val de la Mare reservoir, as well as a number of coastal areas on the south and south-west of the Island.
The States police said that the team, which also used sonar equipment, have ‘given a high level of assurance that Thomas is not in those areas of water’.
In the early stages of the investigation, a 750-metre search radius was established from the 51-year-old’s last known location, which resulted in 225 so-called ‘search taskings’ being identified. This included searching buildings and private premises, fields and open land searches and areas of water.
Various agencies have joined in the search operation, including, Jersey Search and Rescue, Jersey Fire and Rescue Service, Channel Island Air Search, the Jersey Coastguard, CI Search and the honorary police.
A police search adviser from Guernsey was brought in to support the Jersey team, and a search dog and drones have also been deployed.
In a statement, the force said: ‘Investigation inquiries generated 216 actions, which have all now been completed.
‘The search areas have been covered and the searching is now being scaled down. However, the investigation remains open and any further information that comes to light will be investigated.’
Mr Frost, whose family is being supported by specialist officers, is described as being 5ft 10in tall, of medium build and with greying hair.
It is believed that he was wearing navy jeans, as well as a crimson T-shirt underneath a navy shirt with white buttons.
He may also have been wearing a light-grey hoodie over his shirt and it is thought that he may have left his parents’ house without any shoes.
Islanders are asked still to ‘be watchful when out and about’ and to telephone the police on 612612, option two, option four, if they have any information.
