THE FAMILY of a man who police fear has drowned have not given up hope that he may still be alive.

Paul Cousins jumped into the River Thames on March 20 after he fled following a car crash.

In a direct appeal to the 25-year-old carpenter from Thames Ditton, a statement issued by his distraught family said: "Paul mum, dad, Gareth, Clare, Jeanette, and all family and friends are desperate for information relating to your whereabouts.

"Please let someone know that you are safe and well.

"Mum could never cope with the loss of another son. We love and miss you very much. Our hearts are breaking without you."

Nothing has been heard of Mr Cousins, who was due to start a new job as a London firefighter last week, since he jumped into the river in Surbiton at lunchtime on Saturday, March 20 .

He was being chased by several men following a road accident.

His silver Vauxhall Vectra collided with another vehicle in Portsmouth Road, Surbiton, and then ricocheted into seven other vehicles.

Mr Cousins and a family friend who was a passenger in the Vauxhall, ran off and were chased by some of the drivers.

Surrey Police are appealing to two of the men involved in the road traffic accident to come forward.

A spokeswoman for North Surrey police, said: "Police have spoken to a large number of witnesses, however we have been unable to trace two white males who were in a Volkswagen Polo, and officers would very much like to speak to them.

"Mr Cousins and his passenger, a family friend, were briefly pursued by three or four drivers, including the individuals police are urging to come forward."

She added: "Officers would like to emphasise that there is no suggestion of any offences committed and we purely wish to make contact with these men who are potentially important witnesses.

Mr Cousins' passenger later went back to the car, but the last sighting of Mr Cousins was when he was seen by several members of the public jumping into the river.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Steve Rodhouse of North Surrey Police, said: "Despite extensive searches and speaking to a number of witnesses, we have now concluded that it is almost certain that Paul did not get out of the river.

"However, we cannot totally rule out this possibility and we would continue to appeal to anyone with information as to Paul's disappearance, in particular the two men in the VW Polo who got out of their vehicle as Paul left the scene.

"We would also stress that Paul is not in trouble - no-one was seriously hurt in the collision, and if anyone has any information as to his whereabouts then please come forward."

Mr Cousins is white, 5ft 9in, 11 to 12st, of athletic build with short blond hair, brown eyes, light stubble with dark eyebrows and sideburns and a fair complexion.

He also has a blue tattoo around his upper left arm in the shape of a wave, and was last seen wearing white trainers, blue jeans and a thin jumper.

Witnesses to the accident or anyone with information is asked to contact officers at Esher Police Station on 0845 125 2222.