AN UNDERWATER search unit is today scouring a river in York for a missing student – just two days after the tragic discovery of Megan Roberts’ body.

Police say they are increasingly concerned for the welfare of 22-year-old Ben Clarkson, who was last seen at 3.30am on Sunday, March 2, outside Fibbers music venue in Stonebow.

The Yorkshire and the Humber Marine Unit, which also helped in the search for 20-year-old Megan Roberts, was today (Tuesday, March 4) searching the River Foss for the former York St John University student, who works at the Music Room in Lendal.

The search comes two days after the discovery of the body of 20-year-old student Megan Roberts, pictured below, in the River Ouse at Acaster Malbis, south of York.

The Northern Echo: REG PIC: River search continues for missing Megan

She disappeared after leaving the Popworld club with friends on January 23 and police quickly established she had probably entered the Ouse while affected by alcohol.

A fundraising campaign is currently underway in the city to pay for a River Rescue Boat manned by volunteers who would patrol the river during busy times such as race days or Saturday nights.

It is being spearheaded by Dave Benson, who himself helped rescue a woman from the River Ouse last year.

The inquest into the death of Megan Roberts, originally from Wetherby, but a student at York St John University, was due to be opened and adjourned this afternoon (1.50pm) at the Folk Hall in New Earswick, York.

Ben, from Heworth, York, was last seen wearing dark, skinny jeans, a grey t-shirt with an Eiffel Tower logo on and dark pumps with white trim and white toe caps.

The Northern Echo:

Police have already carried out a number of enquiries, including searches of Ben’s route home and examining CCTV in York.

Searches are today taking place of the River Foss in York, between Huntington Road and the Foss Basin, together with searches along the river banks.

A police spokeswoman said officers were “extremely concerned” for Ben’s welfare as it is unusual for him not to contact friends and family.

Inspector Jo Brooksbank, of York Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “Ben, if you are safe and well, I urge you to contact the police immediately. Your family and friends are very worried about your welfare and are desperate to know that you are safe and well.

The Northern Echo:

The Northern Echo:

The Northern Echo:

The Northern Echo:
Yorkshire and the Humber Marine Unit search the River Foss

“In the meantime, I ask anyone who saw Ben after the time he was last seen or has any information about his current whereabouts, to contact the police as a matter of urgency.”

Anyone who can help should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 and speak to the Force Control Room.