A SEARCH and rescue operation has been launched to find a missing Southampton teen.

Search teams scoured the banks of the River Itchen as part of efforts to trace a teenage boy from the city called Marcel.

The 15-year-old was last spotted entering the water near Cobden Bridge at around 11.55pm on Sunday.

St Denys residents reported being woken by the sound of helicopters hovering over the area and flashing police lights.

Officers taped off a riverside pathway behind Pettinger Gardens on Monday morning.

A drone was launched to find Marcel, and a boat could be spotted patrolling a stretch of river between Cobden Bridge and Northam Bridge.

The teen is described as white, slim, around 5ft 9ins tall, with short brown hair.

He was last seen wearing a dark coat, black Nike Air Jordan trainers with red markings, grey tracksuit bottoms and a black rucksack.

Detective Inspector Howard Broadribb, said: “We are very concerned for Marcel’s welfare, and are asking for the public to report sightings of him to us.

“It may be that he had made his way into a local garden, outbuildings or in boats given that he was last seen close by the marina. We would ask the public to check these areas for any possible sightings of Marcel.”

“If you have seen him, or know of Marcel’s whereabouts, call 101 immediately quoting 44210447804, or dial 999 in the event of an emergency.”