Police have taped off Sun Pier in Chatham as the search continues for missing Ben Savage.

Dozens of friends and family members met at the Tap 'n Tin at 4.30pm today to organise search teams.

Parties left from New Cut Road and began searching parts of Chatham and Rochester, continuing into the evening.

Kent Search and Rescue tweeted to say they had been placed on standby by police.

Earlier officers could be seen scouring the area by the river, as coastguard teams searched the River Medway.

VIDEO: Search teams at the river

It comes after CCTV footage suggested the 18-year-old could be in the area.

Kent Fire and Rescue crews and forensics teams were also called to the scene.

Ben disappeared in the early hours of Tuesday after a night out at the Tap N Tin nightclub in Railway Street.

Police said following an extensive and ongoing review of CCTV footage, the search is focusing on Sun Pier.

It is thought to be one of a number of sites being searched.

A spokesman said: "Officers will also be searching locations around the river and town centre, and will be assisted by the coastguard and volunteers from Kent Search and Rescue.

"Ben is described as being 5ft 10in, of medium build and with short brown hair. He is believed to have been wearing a black waist-length jacket with a zip on one arm, a grey T-shirt with a large white number on the front, dark blue skinny jeans and black trainers with white detail."

The last known photo of Ben is being circulated, as friends help in the search.

Yesterday, his mother told KentOnline she was going out of her mind with worry following her son's "out of character" disappearance.

Anyone who may have seen Ben or knows where he might be is urged to call Kent Police on 101 quoting reference 06-0198.