Bridge fall latest – body found in the River Ouse
Police searching for a man who fell into the River Ouse in York have recovered a body from the water.
It marked the tragic end to a day-long search of the Ouse sparked after a man was seen falling into the river early today (Sunday).
He was spotted falling from Ouse Bridge at 3.15am.
The alarm was raised by members of the public who saw the man enter the water from above the middle arch of the bridge.
Brave attempts were made to throw a life belt to the man before the emergency services arrived at the scene.
A search involving the police, fire service and York Rescue Boat took place over the next few hours. Shortly after 5pm police reported they had recovered a body.
Officers from the Northumbria Police Marine Unit located the body near to Ouse Bridge at 2.45pm, with the recovery operation completed at 4.25pm.
Family due to be informed
Officers are not expected to be in a position to identify the man until Monday at the earliest. His family are due to be informed.
The area around the incident remains cordoned off to the public. As soon as it reopens an update will be released.
Inspector Dave Hunter, of the York Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:
We ask that people show the family respect and allow them to grieve in private.
We realise the emergency response to this incident has caused a great deal of disruption during a busy day York.
We thank people and nearby businesses for their continued patience and support during the operation, particularly those who have provided vital information to assist police enquiries.
.@NorthYorksFire crew searching the River Ouse for a missing man.https://t.co/pVGkfcaMsH pic.twitter.com/8W0EUGUFz8
— Alexander Ross (@AlexThePress) July 10, 2016
Identity unknown
The extensive search was co-ordinated by North Yorkshire Police and involves officers combing the river banks with support from a police helicopter.
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue also launched their boat as part of the search operation.
Police are appealing for anyone who may be able to identify the man to contact them on 101, select option 1, and quote reference NYP-10072016-0098.
The York Dragon Boat Race went ahead despite the sad news.