22 June 2012 Last updated at 12:34 ET

River search for man near Brecon's Llanfaes Bridge scaled back

Rescue teams searched the River Usk on Friday morning

A river search for a missing 54-year-old man in Brecon has been scaled back due to dangerous conditions.

The man who is said to be from the local area is believed to have fallen into the fast-flowing River Usk near Llanfaes Bridge early on Friday.

Police, fire crews and mountain rescue teams joined the search after the alarm was raised just after 04:00 BST.

Police say the search on the river has been postponed as it has become swollen and fast-flowing.

Thirty firefighters, including search and rescue boat crews from Hay-on-Wye and Swansea, have been involved in the search.

"This river is extremely dangerous at the moment, and only suitably trained personnel have been carrying out searches along a six mile stretch," said Insp James Davies.

"We are in the process of informing his family members and will keep them updated of our progress to locate him. But for the time being we're having to postpone any further searches of the Usk."

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said the search was focused near Llanfaes Bridge in the centre of the town.

Crews from Brecon, Crickhowell and Hay fire stations are also involved.

Fast water trained specialists from the Brecon Mountain Rescue Team are also involved in the operation and a rescue helicopter from RAF Chivenor has also been called to assist.