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Concern grows over man who went missing on a night out in York

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A police underwater team is searching the river for 29-year-old not seen since the early hours on Friday

A man has gone missing after a night out in York – and a huge search is underway to try to find him.

Rory Johnson, 29, from Skipton was last seen by his friend at 12.15am on Friday (November 20). That was when he left the York Central Travel Lodge on Piccadilly where they were staying the night.

Rory never returned to the hotel and he failed to turn up for work in Skipton on Friday evening.

Have you seen Rory?
Have you seen Rory?

A North Yorkshire police spokesperson said:

His mobile phone is going to answerphone and he has not been in contact with his family, which is out of character.

Extensive police enquiries are ongoing to trace Rory and to establish his movements on Thursday evening and into the early hours of Friday morning.

River patrols

The York Rescue Boat team are taking part in the river search. Photograph © York Rescue Boat on Twitter
The York Rescue Boat team are taking part in the river search. Photograph © York Rescue Boat on Twitter

Rory’s friend said they were in the Postern Gate Wetherspoon pub on Piccadilly from around 11.30pm on Thursday. He said that Rory headed back out after returning to the Travel Lodge next door for a short time at around midnight.

One line of enquiry is that Rory may have got into difficulty while walking near the River Ouse in the City Mills and Skeldergate Bridge after midnight.

The Humberside Police Underwater Search Unit carried out searches in the Ouse throughout Sunday.

York Rescue Boat was also searching the river. Both organisations called off the search for the night at about 5pm and resumed when it got light on Monday.

Search hits social media

This is Rory's Facebook profile pic that he updated on Thursday night when he was out in York
This is Rory’s Facebook profile pic that he updated on Thursday night when he was out in York

Friends and family are appealing on social media to help find him, using the #FindRory hashtag.

A Facebook group, Rory Johnson Is Missing, has been set up. Everyone is being asked to join and share.

On it, his friend Laura Denby posted:

Hope to god your ok Rory Johnson please get in touch, normally at this time your ringing me about how much you’ve enjoyed work as well as eating.

God bless you. Sending my love to all your family and friends, hope to hear from you soon.

Jade Hallett posted:

I hope rory returns safely and well very soon, I’ll pray for his return, I’m thinking of his family and friends at this horrible and worrying time.

By Sunday night, 10,000 people had joined the group, and were sharing and leaving messages.

On our way back from York. Posters put everywhere pubs, clubs, shops, walls, the search continues. We WILL find you buddy.
Thank you for everyone’s support

– Chris Parr

Praying for your safe return Rory x

– Louise Moorhouse

Any news? Driving myself crazy checking Facebook. Thoughts with all Rory’s family and friends xx

– Aneliesa Forshaw

Can you help?

An earlier photograph of Rory
An earlier photograph of Rory

People who recall seeing Rory or someone matching his description in York on Thursday evening or Friday are urged to get in touch with the police without delay.

Have you seen Rory?

Rory is…

white
aged 29
5ft 11in tall
of slim build
and has short blond hair.

He was wearing

a round-neck black top
blue jeans
and white and navy trainers.

Anyone who can help is urged to call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1, and speak to the Force Control Room.

Please quote reference number 12150207141.

Rory’s family are being supported by the police while enquiries are ongoing.