THE family of a man whose body was recovered from the River Ouse on New Year's Day have appealed for help in piecing together his final movements.

Craig Batters, 42, from York, was found in the river at 1.30pm when a member of the public spotted the body near Holly Terrace, York.

His family say not knowing what happened to him is "torture" and they are trying to understand how and why he came to be in the river.

They are appealing for the public's help in retracing his final steps and to anyone who may have seen Craig and his dog, Kyla.

Andrea Benson, Craig's sister, said: "Myself and my family are appealing for information to help trace Craig's final movements prior to Craig being recovered from the River Ouse in York on New Year's Day.

"Craig and his dog Kyla, who is reddish in colour, and of Staffordshire breed would be seen frequently in York City centre, Water Lane, Clifton Green, Bootham, streets surrounding York hospital and along the river Ouse area."

They would like anyone who saw Craig between December 30 and the early hours of January 1 to contact police immediately.

Andrea said: "All information is relevant, no information is too small so please get in touch if you can assist us."

Anyone with information should phone police on 101.