POLICE have recovered a body from the River Ouse in York city centre.

Officers launched a major search operation on Sunday morning after concerns were raised for the welfare of a man.

Around eight police vehicles were in the Blue Bridge area searching the river and riverbank and police scuba divers were in the water.

The Blue Bridge and surrounding roads were cordoned off by officers.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police confirmed just before 1pm on Sunday that a body had been recovered from the water.

He said: “Police were conducting river searches in York this morning (Sunday), in connection with a concern for the welfare of a man.

"Sadly, they have located the body of a man. His family have been informed. We are not in a position to formally identify him at this time.”

Police vehicles and the police marine unit were at the scene from around 11am on Sunday.

York Press: