POLICE divers braved the icy waters of the River Ouse, but again failed to find any clues into the mystery disappearance of a York man.

With snow falling heavily in York, two divers from the Regional Underwater Search Unit searched the river around Skeldergate Bridge yesterday for several hours but in vain.

Accountant Chris Baker, 29, of Albemarle Road, was on his way to work at Hull Royal Infirmary on Thursday, December 20 when he suddenly abandoned his grey Renault Megane on Skeldergate bridge.

He gestured to a woman in the car behind him before jumping over a wall into Tower Gardens and has not been seen since.

Yesterday’s search began at 11am and finished at 3pm, said a North Yorkshire Police spokesman. He said the divers would return to conduct another search, probably later in the week, but definitely not today.

Police have already said the body found near Acaster Malbis on Sunday is not believed to be that of Mr Baker.

Mr Baker, who is originally from Burry Port in Carmarthenshire, Wales, moved to York with his wife Megan six months ago. He is white, around 5ft 9ins tall, with a slim build and curly, dark brown hair. He was wearing a striped work shirt when he disappeared.

Police have said it was totally out of character for him to have acted in such a way.

They said it was a very worrying time for his family, and appealed for anyone who was on their way to work, walking their dog, or out jogging along the river bank between Millennium Bridge and King’s Staith at around 7.15am on December 20 to contact them.

Anyone who can help officers with their inquiries is asked to phone the police on 101.