A BODY found face down in the River Foss has been identified as New Earswick man Ian Hutchinson.

He was discovered by a walker only metres from his home.

Mr Hutchinson, believed to be in his 50s, was unmarried and lived alone in Alder Way, in the village.

His body was discovered in water underneath the bridge on Link Road.

That stretch of river has a footpath running alongside it which Mr Hutchinson is known to have regularly used.

A post mortem is expected to be carried out today and a police investigation continues in an effort to discover how the man died.

But police suspect it was not due to foul play.

Inspector Andy Everitt, leading the enquiry, said: "Any body recovered is treated as suspicious, but at first sight it appears this was an accident. There is nothing to suggest that anything untoward has happened, but an investigation has been started."The body was in the water and was found face down by the bridge. We don't know if he came off the bridge or if he's fallen from the path running along the side of the river."

The body was found by a passer-by shortly before 10am yesterday.

Police were at the scene within eight minutes, and the Link Road and surrounding area was closed for more than two hours while investigations were carried out.

The underwater search team waded the river looking for any clues of what had happened.

The River Foss is narrower and shallower at New Earswick than it is further downstream in York.

But one local resident said: "It is about six inches higher now than it would be earlier in the year, and at this time it will be extremely cold."

Insp Everitt said: "We are still trying to find out when Mr Hutchinson went missing. He had not been reported missing because he lives alone.

"He has family living in York and they have now been notified."

He said he was keen to speak to anybody who had seen Mr Hutchinson, possibly on Saturday night, on the path or in local pubs.

He was wearing a distinctive shiny brown leather jacket and dark trousers.

Anybody with information is asked to contact York Police on 01904 631321.

Updated: 08:24 Monday, December 10, 2001