Megan Roberts2
The body found is believed to be missing 20-year-old Megan Roberts who disappeared in January

A woman's body found in the River Ouse at the weekend is believed to be missing student Megan Roberts.

The 20-year-old, who was studying at the York St John University, disappeared after a night out with friends in the city on January 23.

The fine art student was last seen on CCTV on the corner of Rougier Street and Lendal Bridge at about 02:20.

The police were called after a member of the public discovered a body in the river at Acaster Malbis near to the Ship Inn on Sunday afternoon at 3.25pm.

Formal identification has yet to take place but the family of Roberts have been informed of the discovery.

A large-scale missing persons operation was launched following her disappearance. Police divers searched the Ouse and officers used sonar equipment to scour the river from Lendal Bridge to Naburn.

The initial police enquiry following her disappearance was that she had entered the river while 'affected by alcohol' after she got separated from her group of friends.

Her mum Jackie Roberts released a statement last month describing the case as "a tragic run of events with no one to blame".

She said: "This is a very difficult time and, as a family, we will always be thankful for everyone's love and support and caring thoughts for my beautiful daughter."