A CO-ORDINATED land search involving police and local volunteers is taking place today (Thursday, Jan 8) as efforts continue to locate a man who entered the River Teifi in the early hours of Sunday (Jan 4).

The man, named locally as 29-year-old Kurtis Brook, was last seen shortly after 5:15am on Sunday near a buoy close to Cardigan’s new bridge. Emergency services were alerted and a large-scale search operation was launched soon afterwards.

Since then, teams from Dyfed-Powys Police have led extensive searches along the river and surrounding areas, supported by specialist resources including drones, search dogs, a marine unit, and the RNLI and HM Coastguard. Despite several days of intensive activity, Kurtis has not yet been found.

On Wednesday, friends and local volunteers also took part in searches on the water using small boats, working both downstream towards Patch and upstream along the upper reaches of the Teifi. Police have continued to coordinate these efforts to ensure safety and avoid duplication.

Today’s land search is being organised alongside police, with volunteers asked to gather at Cardigan Police Station at 10:00am. From there, participants are being allocated specific search areas before heading out on foot.

Kurtis’ sister-in-law, Louise Benatmane, said the family is particularly keen to hear from people who know the area well.

“We are looking for anyone who is fit and able and has good local knowledge of snickleways, alleyways and paths around the town and river,” she said.

Chief Inspector Richard Yelland, of Dyfed-Powys Police, said a significant amount of ground and water has already been covered since the search began.

“We are doing all we can to locate Kurtis and can reassure the public that extensive searches have taken place over the past few days,” he said. “We are extremely grateful for the support shown by the local community, but we continue to ask members of the public not involved in the organised search to stay away from the riverbanks, as conditions remain hazardous.”

Kurtis has been described by those who know him as family-orientated and kind-hearted, and his family have spoken of being overwhelmed by the level of support shown by the community.

His brother Ryan thanked those who have already volunteered their time.

“Everyone who has turned up to help has been incredible,” he said. “We just want people to keep safe while they’re helping. Any support at all is hugely appreciated.”

A Facebook page providing verified updates on the search has been set up by the family under the name Kurtis Brook – Cardigan, Wales.

Pembrokeshire County Council has warned residents that worsening weather this afternoon, particularly in the east of the county, will affect roads and services.

The Council said it would be closing some services early to allow staff to travel home safely. Schools that opened as normal this morning are also set to close early.

Forecasters expect snow and sleet to become heavier later today in eastern parts of the county, which could lead to travel disruption on untreated roads. Overnight, road surface temperatures are forecast to fall to around -2.5°C, with the risk of sleet or snow on higher ground.

Council teams have been continuously gritting and patrolling all primary routes since yesterday afternoon. Precautionary salting, patrolling, and ploughing of primary and secondary routes will continue through the afternoon, evening, and overnight. Gritting route information is available on the Council’s website.

The Council added that road surfaces are likely to remain below freezing for much of tomorrow morning and into the early afternoon.

Due to high call volumes, residents are being asked to contact the Council only in emergencies or for urgent matters. Road users are advised to take care, particularly on untreated roads, and to travel only if essential.

The weather may also affect school openings tomorrow, with updates to be posted on the Council’s dedicated school closure page.

A yellow weather warning covering Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and other parts of Wales has been extended until 11 am on Tuesday, as scattered sleet and snow showers, followed by widespread overnight ice, are expected to affect travel conditions.

The Met Office alert – in force from midday on Monday into Tuesday morning – warns that scattered sleet and snow showers will continue to drift southwards through the afternoon and evening, especially near exposed western and coastal areas, before easing later at night.

Although not all communities will see wintry precipitation, some localised snow accumulations are possible, with the greatest likelihood of 5–10 cm on higher ground, particularly around the Preseli Mountains and inland parts of south‑west Wales. Hail is also possible in heavier showers, which could create locally slippery surfaces.

Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing after dark, making ice the predominant hazard overnight and into Tuesday morning, when untreated roads, pavements and rural routes may become treacherous for motorists and pedestrians alike.

Drivers are being urged to plan journeys with care and allow extra time where necessary, while walkers and cyclists are advised to take particular care on untreated surfaces.

Across the wider UK, similar wintry conditions persist, with snow and ice warnings stretching from northern England through Scotland and Northern Ireland, and authorities advising the public to stay updated with the latest forecasts before travelling.