Mother of Megan Roberts calls for improved river safety

Megan Roberts died in York after falling in the River Ouse

The mother of Megan Roberts, the York student who died when she fell into the river after a night out, has spoken exclusively to ITV Calendar as she calls for new protective measures to be put in place along the riverside in the city.

Jackie Roberts, from Wetherby, faced an agonising five week wait until 20 year-old Megan's body was found in the River Ouse, six miles from where it is believed she fell in near Lendall Bridge in January.

Jackie says she will miss their bond as friends, not just as mother and daughter:

Megan had been on a night out with friends on Wednesday 22nd January, and was at the Popworld bar, before heading home. She was then recorded on CCTV on the corner of Rougier Street near Lendal Bridge around 2.20am on Thursday morning.

The group were seen a short time later at the other side of Lendal Bridge, on Museum Street but Megan was not with them.

Megan was known for her quick wit

Megan's disappearance sparked national interest, as police divers trawled the river, her friends leafleted in the city centre and volunteers joined the search. Fans at a York City game were even asked for any information they may have had.

Her death has now prompted calls for improved river safety measures in the city, and a petition for improved CCTV has received over 19,000 signatures.

For Jackie, hearing of the discovery of Megan's body brought up mixed feelings:

Next Tuesday, council officials and police in York will meet to discuss river safety measures. It comes as the search continues for 22 year-old Ben Clarkson, who has also disappeared in the city this month.

Megan's death has led to calls for improved river safety

Tributes from friends and family to Megan, who was in her second year studying Fine Art at York St John University, described her as a bubbly, loyal girl, well known for her quick wit and love of painting.

For Jackie, she will always have her memories of her daughter close to her heart:

Jackie hopes that Megan's death will not be in vain, and that it may cause people to think twice about their safety on a night out near the river in future.

An inquest into Megan's death began earlier in March.

Click below to hear Jackie Roberts speaking publicly for the first time about her daughter's death.