POLICE are today looking to identify a body found in the River Ouse near York after recovering it from the water.

The body was discovered at about 11am yesterday by a member of the public walking along the riverbank at Acaster Malbis, but conditions hampered attempts to recover it.

North Yorkshire Police said the body has now been taken to York Hospital and the search for clues about who the person is was continuing today.

This will include speaking to neighbouring police forces to establish whether the person may have come from their area.

It is not believed that the body is that of missing York accountant Chris Baker, 29, who was last seen jumping over the wall of Skeldergate Bridge on the banks of the river after leaving his car on Thursday, December 20.

A search of the River Ouse as part of the investigation into his disappearance was today resuming.

Searches of the river have previously taken place, but high water levels following recent heavy rain have caused difficulties. Officers from the Regional Underwater Search Unit will today focus on the Skeldergate area.

Anybody who has information about Mr Baker's disappearance should phone North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two and ask for the force control room.