Home   Bexley and Bromley   News   Article

Search for London firefighter and Orpington Athletic FC player Anthony Knott last seen in Lewes expanded

The search for a firefighter from Orpington who has been missing for almost a week has been extended to include a stretch of river.

Anthony Knott, who is 33 and from Lincoln Green, was last seen in Lewes, East Sussex, on Friday night as he was enjoying drinks with work friends.

Anthony Knott went missing on Friday, December 20
Anthony Knott went missing on Friday, December 20

Anthony was visiting the Lamb pub in Fisher Street at about 7.15pm on Friday, December 20 when he became separated from his London Fire Brigade colleagues.

Specialist teams, along with the London Fire Brigade Service, will remain in the area today in a bid to find the 33-year-old who plays for Orpington Athletic FC.

Their search has been expanded to include te area around Pells Pool and Pellbrook Cut, which flows off the River Ouse.

The update comes as Anthony's fiancee Lucy Otto posted on her Facebook page, saying: "I’m coming to search for you again today, I won’t rest until I know what’s happened to you.

"Please someone must know or have seen something!"

Lucy Otto and fiance Anthony Knott. Picture: Lucy Otto
Lucy Otto and fiance Anthony Knott. Picture: Lucy Otto

Initially Anthony was thought to have left the pub later but Ms Otto has since clarified the timings.

She also said that his phone turned off at 7.21pm, five minutes after he left the pub and has not been used since. His bank cards have also not been used.

The below picture shows the exact jacket Anthony was wearing on the night of his disappearance.

Anthony Knott was wearing this jacket on the night he went missing
Anthony Knott was wearing this jacket on the night he went missing

DCI Alasdair Henry said: "It has been a number of days since Anthony was reported missing and we are growing increasingly concerned for his welfare.

"Our specialist teams have carried out extensive searches with support from volunteers and other emergency services. We have extended these searches to include the Pells Pool and the surrounding area.

"We are extremely grateful for everyone's support and we continue to appeal to anyone with any information about Anthony's disappearance to please come forward.

"This remains a very difficult time for Anthony's family and friends..." - DCI Alasdair Henry

"Extensive enquiries have also been made in the Lewes area with local businesses, including bus, rail and taxi services. CCTV footage has also been reviewed as part of efforts to find Anthony.

"There is no information available to us at this stage to suggest Anthony left the Lewes area and our searches will continue to focus in this location.

"This remains a very difficult time for Anthony's family and friends, and we are seeking the information and answers they so desperately need."

The father-of-four is white, about 6ft, medium build with medium length brown short gelled hair.

He was last seen wearing a black long-sleeve top, a dark denim suit-style jacket, dark denim jeans and black shoes.

Search groups will be meeting at the Phoenix Industrial Estate to the right of the fire station between 8am and 9am on Friday, December 27.

Anyone with information of Mr Knott's whereabouts should call Sussex Police on 101 or online, quoting Operation Barnstaple.

Read more: All the latest news from Kent

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More