Body found in hunt for man swept away in Storm Bert

North Wales Police said a body had been found in the search for 75-year-old Brian Perry, who went missing in the River Conwy on Saturday. The force had put an appeal out to find Mr Perry after he was last seen at around 4.30pm wearing a red Berghaus waterproof jacket and accompanied by his wife and dog.

He had been walking near Gower Road, which has been affected by severe flooding due to Storm Bert. There has been no formal identification but his family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

Chief Inspector Simon Kneale, of North Wales Police, said: “I would like to thank the efforts of all agencies involved in the searches in very difficult conditions and for the local community who supported the teams in the area.

“Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time and they have asked that their privacy is respected.”

It comes as a major incident has been declared in South Wales after dozens of homes, businesses and a number of schools were affected by flooding during Storm Bert. Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, South Wales Fire & Rescue, Natural Resources Wales & South Wales Police have declared a major incident for the borough.

The council said “significant” flooding has taken place with the “impact looking to be more significant than the severe impact experienced during Storm Dennis” in 2020. Rest centres have been set up for residents impacted at Pontypridd Library, Ystrad Sports Centre, Sobell Leisure Centre and Cynon Valley Indoor Bowls Centre.

A council spokesperson said: “Throughout the evening the severity of the weather has resulted in widespread impact with over 100 properties potentially flooded, both commercial and residential. “Council assets have also been damaged, with Lido Ponty, Park and Dare Theatre and a number of schools impacted. Impacted schools will send out direct communications to families to make them aware.

“There are a number of highways closures, with a landslip on the Bwlch Mountain Road at Nantymoel closing this road, and South Wales Police closing bridges in Pontypridd. The advice to everyone is only travel if absolutely necessary.”