Police are scaling down the search for missing man Ben Caplan.

The last confirmed sighting of the Newport man was on Saturday 7th December and since then, search efforts have concentrated on the River Usk and its banks.

Officers, supported by the Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA), have followed up a number of reported sightings but none have been confirmed.

Chief Inspector Martyn Smith said: "Our last confirmed sighting of Ben was around 11.45am on Saturday 7th December.

"Sadly as there has been no confirmed sightings of Ben since then, and following extensive enquiries, it does seem highly likely that he entered the river Usk on that night.

"As part of our investigation into his disappearance we have obtained CCTV showing a figure, who we believe to be Ben, heading in the direction of Caerleon Bridge at the time Ben was last seen.

"While we don't see him entering the water the CCTV does capture the water being disturbed.

"As a result Gwent Police has now taken the decision to scale back search efforts. Ben's family, who have been kept informed throughout our search operation, have been notified and specialist liaison officers remain in close contact with them.

"Although daily searches of the river will no longer be taking place, we will continue to do our best to find Ben with periodic searches over the coming weeks.

"I would like to thank the public and Ben's family, friends and work colleagues who have done their part in publicising Ben's disappearance and assisting us in our enquiries.

"Our thoughts remain with Ben's family at this no doubt difficult time."