The body of a York man who has been missing since December has been recovered from the River Ouse.

Family and friends were today trying to come to terms with their loss after police confirmed the identity of the body, found in the Ouse on Saturday, was that of Christopher Baker.

The 29-year-old had been missing since he was last seen climbing over Skeldergate Bridge on December 20.

Emergency services were called to the Millennium Bridge on Saturday at 3.15pm after someone in a boat reported seeing a body in the water.

The fire service assisted police in recovering Mr Baker's body near Fulford Ings and York Motor Yacht Club.

Police do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Officers have been searching for Mr Baker since he disappeared while on his way to work as an accountant at Hull Royal Infirmary.

He was reported to have abandoned his grey Renault Megane on Skeldergate Bridge, gestured to a woman in a car behind and climbed over the wall of the bridge.

Mr Baker, who is originally from Burry Port in Carmarthenshire, Wales, moved to York with his wife, Megan, six months ago.

Inspector Mark Henderson, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “Sadly, the search for Chris has ended with very distressing news for his loved ones. Our thoughts are very much with his family, friends and colleagues as they try to come to terms with his death at this very sad and traumatic time."

Mr Baker's family was informed as soon as the discovery was made on Saturday, police said.

It is the second body to be found in the river in York within a week. The identity of the body found in the Ouse at Acaster Malbis on Sunday, January 13, has not been released.

Early last week two divers from the Regional Underwater Search Unit searched the river around Skeldergate Bridge in connection with Mr Baker's disappearance.