STUDENTS were banned from the centre of York after being seen floating down the River Ouse on inflatable lilos.

Nine male students from the University if York were helped out of the water by police officers at King’s Staith in the centre of the city on Wednesday afternoon, after being seen floating along the river on inflatable boats and lilos.

Police say they were issued with dispersal orders which barred them from the city centre for 48 hours.

A police spokesperson said in a statement: “It goes without saying that this was a very dangerous act and could have ended in tragedy. We do not want to be killjoys, but the river is extremely dangerous, especially when alcohol is involved. We strongly advise people to not enter the river and never, ever go on the river in lilos.

“The nine males were told to get out of the river after several of them fell in. They were warned of the dangers of the River Ouse and the deaths that have happened in recent years as a result of lack of care in the water or at the water's edge.”

A University of York spokesman said the university was concerned by the images circulating and was looking into the incident.

He said: “The university is committed to the city-wide River Safety Campaign. Key partners include the emergency services, City of York Council, commercial boat operators, North Yorkshire Police and the city’s two university students’ unions. In addition, all new students attend a compulsory briefing at the start of the academic year, which includes river safety, and there are follow-up briefings and awareness campaigns throughout the year.”