Police search Brisbane River for tourist who jumped off Brisbane’s William

Fears are growing for a British backpacker still missing after taking a running jump into the Brisbane River in what police have described as a “drunken stunt”.

It’s believed he was part of a group of foreign nationals who had been drinking at a nearby hostel before they all made a decision to jump from the bridge.

His companions, who decided at the last minute not to jump, alerted authorities who launched an air, land and water search.

Witnesses saw him plunge about 10m into the river – he briefly resurfaced before disappearing beneath the water.

Cryer added that the Briton had come “back up again a few seconds later, rolled on his side, went back under the water and hasn’t been seen since”.

Police are warning against people from engaging in high risk activity like jumping off bridges.

“Police said an intensive search” of the river, including use of a helicopter with infrared equipment, was carried out and have said that they will continue their search until they find him.

Police contacted the missing man’s British parents overnight but were yet to release his name as they door-knocked homes and businesses looking for relations based in Brisbane.

The Australian Broadcasting Corp said the man had been working in Australia, and that his family in the United Kingdom had been notified.