THE search for missing Ben Clarkson was continuing today (Wednesday, March 5) with divers once again taking to the murky waters of the River Foss in York.

Although there have been a number of claimed sightings of Ben since he was reported missing none of them have been confirmed and family and friends have still heard nothing from him.

And again the regional underwater team is scouring the river while other police officers and a specially-trained scent dog are searching along the banks of the river.

The 22-year-old was last seen at 3.40am on Sunday, March 2, in Layerthorpe, York, close to the junction with James Street.

Police are concentrating their search along the route he would have taken home from Fibbers nightclub on Stonebow to Heworth Green.

The search is being co-ordinated by Inspector Richard Abbott who said: “I would like to thank the members of the public who have already helped in the search for Ben and ask people to remain vigilant and report any possible sightings.

He added: “I am also appealing directly to Ben. Please contact us straight away to confirm that you are safe and well. Your family and friends are extremely concerned about you and are desperate to know that you have not come to harm.”

The missing man was previously a student at York St John University, where 20-year-old Megan Roberts, whose body was recovered from the River Ouse in the city on Sunday, was also a student.

Anyone who can help to locate Ben Clarkson should contact North Yorkshire Police straight away by ringing 101, selecting option one and speaking to the force control room.