Police can't confirm whether soldier 'exited the water safely'

Police searching for Signaller Tyler Pearson say they can't confirm whether he managed to get out of a river in York safely.

The serving soldier was seen to enter the River Ouse in the early hours of Thursday (3 April).

Superintendant Phil Cain, of York Safer Neighbourhood Command, said: “It is believed that Tyler entered the river voluntarily during a night out with a group of friends but at this time we cannot confirm whether he has exited the water safely.

“It is believed that he was attempting to swim across the river to Queen’s Staith.

“Specially trained officers are currently supporting Tyler’s family."

City of York Council say they are committed to raising awareness of river safety and preventing river related incidents.

Steve Waddington, Assistant Director of Housing and Community Safety, said: “We continue to work with agencies and voluntary organisations to raise awareness of the need to take care by the city’s rivers and are determined to prevent river-related incidents where we can”