River search for missing student Megan Roberts continues

Megan, 20, was last seen on a night out with friends in York in the early hours of Thursday.

North Yorkshire Police believe the York St John University student probably fell into the Ouse. After searching more than four miles of the river, police admit the chances of finding Megan alive are “increasingly remote”.

Sgt Steve Birss, head of the Yorkshire And The Humber Underwater Search and Marine Unit, said divers were working with “nil visibility” under the water, and in bitterly cold conditions.

He said searches would continue with new underwater scanning technology loaned by manufacturers Tritech.

Today, the search unit used the new scanning devices from Lendal Bridge downstream to Naburn supported by a boat and crew from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

A police spokesman said the searches would continue over the weekend, with officers looking again at both banks of the river.

Yesterday, John Lawson, manager of the Royal Oak pub in Wetherby where Megan worked in 2012, said although he never met her, regulars remember her fondly.

Mr Lawson said: “They have all said she was quite a quiet lass and really, really pretty. She wouldn’t really have gone and spoken to anyone she didn’t know at first, and you had to get to know her before you could have a chat with her.

“I hope she’s found safe and well because the news has definitely hit everyone who’s come in here. Quite a few who talked to her at the time said they can’t believe this has happened. She’s such a nice, lovely lass, so we hope she’s found safe and sound and the family get some news soon.”

Anyone with information that can help police is urged to phone 101 and  select option 1 to pass information to the Force Control Room.

The appeal to trace Megan Roberts is also being supported by the Missing People charity. Information from the public - or from Megan herself - can be passed on free of charge and in confidence by calling 116 000.