RESCUE workers have resumed their search for a man seen running naked towards the River Ouse in York.

Sergeant Ian Roberts from North Yorkshire Police said Jordan Sullivan, aged 19, was last spotted on a dirt track off Acaster Lane at about 9.30am yesterday, having removed his clothes.

Police, firefighters and a mountain rescue team scoured the area throughout the day, without success. West Yorkshire Police’s helicopter also joined in the search.

Police have been back in the area today searching the riverbanks, and a specialist udnerwater team from West Yorkshire is also now on the scene.

Insp Jo Brooksbank from the police said there was explanation yet for what might have happened and said officers were keeping an open mind.

She said Mr Sullivan's family was being kept informed and said police would search for as long as physically possible today.

A passer-by had called emergency services after seeing Mr Sullivan take off his clothes and run towards the river, police said.

Mr Sullivan works as a travel consultant at Quartz Travel, but did not arrive for work yesterday.

His boss, Paul Smith, said: “He is a rising superstar. It’s a shock. The police have spoken to everybody concerned to try and build a character profile of him.

“We want him to come home safe. We want anyone who has seen him to let police know. He comes from a loving family. It’s completely out of character – that’s why we are all in complete shock.”

A police spokesman said Mr Sullivan’s clothes were found with his wallet close to the river, and his family had been informed he was missing.

Mr Sullivan is described as white, about 5ft 9ins tall with a slim build and short dark hair, and he has a tattoo of a crucifix running between his shoulder blades.

PC Alex Dobson, of York Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “I am urging anyone who may have seen a naked man in the area to contact the police immediately.

“I am also appealing to anyone who may have seen any unusual activity near the River Ouse. Jordan, if you see or hear this appeal, please get in touch as I need to ensure that you are safe and well.”

Chief Inspector Mark Grange said the search was called off at 6.30pm last night, when a mountain rescue team from RAF Leeming left the scene.

He said the search would resume this morning, when an underwater search team from West Yorkshire Police arrived.

He said: “We have no confirmation he’s actually gone into the water, but obviously we are treating it as a possibility.”

Anyone who can help to locate Jordan, or who has any information which may help the investigation, should phone North Yorkshire Police on 101 and select option 1.