FEARS are rising that the rivers of York could have claimed their third young victim in as many months.

Police have been scouting the banks and waters of the Ouse in the centre of the city after a teenager was seen to enter the water at about 2.30am today, April, 3, but failed to emerge.

It is understood the 18-year-old, who lived locally, was attempting to swim to the other side – but nobody saw him get out of the water.

Police said the youngster entered the water near the Lowther pub on King’s Staith and had earlier been seen crossing the river via Ouse Bridge in the company of two others.

Another source claimed the missing youngster was a young soldier who was being filmed by two friends as he attempted to cross.

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.

Student Megan Roberts' body 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.

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.

Jackie Roberts, the mother of tragic Megan, is now working with the Royal Life Saving Society on a potential national campaign about the dangers of inland waters, drinking and the risk of drowning.

She said: “I am devastated to hear that one more person may have lost their lives, so close to where Megan lost hers, and this makes me even more determined to do something to make people consider the dangers and the risks they face around water, particularly if walking home after a night out or drinking.”