A BODY pulled from a York river last week has been identified as missing student Robert Davies.

The 20-year-old chemistry student at the University of York was reported missing on Sunday, September 23, sparking a massive search.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said he was formally identified yesterday. An inquest was opened and adjourned.

Robert's parents, Tony and Kim, and his sister Helen, said in a statement: "We would like to thank everyone for their messages of support following Rob's tragic death and we are truly touched by the number of his friends, both in York and in Bury, who made such a concerted effort to assist the police in their search for him.

"Our thanks also go to the police and rescue services for their tremendous response to Rob's disappearance, and the sensitive manner in which they have dealt with us and Rob's close friends.

"We miss Rob terribly, but will proudly and lovingly remember him as a son and brother who achieved so much in a short time, lived his life to the full, and was very much his own man."

Robert had been out drinking with friends in York city centre in the early hours of September 23, but never arrived home.

His disappearance sparked a nine-day search involving police, fire crews and a RAF helicopter.

His body was found in the River Ouse, close to the A64 road bridge near York, after a member of the public raised the alarm last Monday.