DIVERS will resume their search on Monday for the York teenager who went missing after attempting to swim across the River Ouse.

Police named the 18-year-old yesterday as serving soldier Tyler Pearson, a Signaller based in York with 2 Signal Regiment, as safety chiefs warned other people going out in the city centre to watch out for each other.

Specially-trained officers from North Yorkshire Police and the Army are supporting Signaller Pearson's family as the search continues.

He was last seen in the Ouse at about 2.30am on Thursday following a night out with friends, and anyone who saw him or who has information which may help is urged to contact the police.

Superintendent Phil Cain, of York Safer Neighbourhood Command, said Tyler was believed to have entered the river voluntarily during a night out with friends. "We cannot confirm whether he has exited the water safely," he said.

“He was seen to cross Ouse Bridge with two other people and then enter the river near the Lowther public house on King’s Staith. It is believed that he was attempting to swim across the river to Queen’s Staith."

Lieutenant Colonel Ian Hargreaves, Commanding Officer of 2nd Signal Regiment, thanked the emergency servies for their swift response and continued search.

"The thoughts and prayers of 2 Signal Regiment are with the family of Signaller Tyler Pearson whilst he remains missing.

"Signaller Pearson recently arrived at 2 Signal Regiment in York having qualified in military driving and technical logistic management. He has started work in one of our Motor Transport departments where his Troop Sergeant has recognised him as a bright, keen and enthusiastic soldier. He is receptive and hard working and has got stuck into pre-exercise servicing and inspections of our most modern communications vehicles.

"He is a fit and keen footballer who is lined up to join the Regimental team. He has made a great start in the Royal Corps of Signals with the prospects of a fine career ahead of him. As a Regiment we very much hope that Tyler is found soon."

Steve Waddington, assistant director of housing and community safety at City of York Council, said the authority would work with all agencies and organisations responsible for river safety.

“Our thoughts are with those affected by recent tragic events. We urge everyone who is out and about in the city centre to watch out for each other and stay together when heading home so that should an accident occur, there is someone to raise the alarm.”

The Press has launched its TAKE CARE campaign - following on from 2011's Think, Don't Swim initiative - to raise awareness of river safety in York, after Signaller Pearson became the third person to go missing in the city's rivers in as many months.

Megan Roberts, 20, went into the Ouse after a night out with friends in the early hours of January 23 - her body was found on Sunday, March 2.

The body of Ben Clarkson, 22, was found in the River Foss on Friday, March 21, three weeks after he disappeared while walking home from a night out in York in the early hours of March 2.

Julia Mulligan, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, last week held a river safety summit to discuss what could be done to prevent further tragedy.

Speaking yesterday, she said: "The Press is resurrecting its campaign around river safety so I'm in support of that. It's difficult crafting messages that young people in particular will take notice of . There's no point adults wagging fingers at them, we have to get this right and it will take a bit of time."