POLICE searching for a man who has gone missing in the River Ouse have confirmed he is a serving soldier.

Signaller Tyler Pearson deliberately went into the water in the centre of York at about 2.30am on Thursday, April 3, in what is believed to have been an attempt to swim to the other side.

However, he was never seen to emerge and despite intensive searches, which are continuing today, (Friday, April 4) he has not been seen since.

The 18-year-old, of 2 Signal Regiment in York, was seen going into the river near the Lowther pub on Kings Staith after crossing Ouse Bridge with two other people.

Police and fire officers have again been searching the banks of the river, the regional underwater search team have been scouring the river itself and other specialist search teams are also involved.

The missing man’s family have been informed and are currently being supported by specially trained officers from both the police and the Army.

Superintendent Phil Cain said: “It is important that we establish the exact circumstances surrounding this incident and I am appealing to anyone who saw Tyler either enter or exit the river to get in touch as soon as possible.”

The latest incident follows two recent tragedies in the city which have led to renewed calls for something to be done to improve river safety.

Twhe body of student Megan Roberts, 20,was found in the Ouse at Acaster Malbis in March after she had disappeared during a night out in January. The 20-year-old is thought to have fallen into the river near Lendal Bridge.

And former student Ben Clarkson, 22, disappeared after a night out with a colleague in York on Saturday, March 1 and his body was found in the River Foss on March 21.