EMERGENCY services have been carrying out underwater searches for a missing Skipton man.

York Rescue Boat joined the Humberside Police Underwater Search Unit on the River Ouse, in York, looking Rory Johnson today.

The 29-year-old has been missing in the city since early on Friday.

He was last seen by his friend at 12.15am when he left the York Central Travel Lodge on Piccadilly where they were staying the night.

Mr Johnson never returned to the hotel and he failed to turn up for work in Skipton on Friday evening.

His mobile phone is also going to answer phone and he has not been in contact with his family, which is out of character.

Extensive police enquiries are ongoing to trace Rory and to establish his movements on Thursday evening and into the early hours of Friday morning.

His friend said they were in The Postern Gate Wetherspoon pub from around 11.30pm on Thursday, but said Rory headed back out after returning to the nearby Travel Lodge for a short time at around midnight.

One line of enquiry is that he may have got into difficulty while walking near the River Ouse in the City Mills and Skeldergate Bridge after midnight.

Two boats were today scouring the river and its banks, but no-one had been found when the search was called off at around 5pm.

The search is expected to start again tomorrow morning, and may involve divers.

Mr Johnson-Hatfield's friends have been in York retracing his steps.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said enquiries were ongoing.

"Rory’s family are being supported by officers at this very distressing time," he added.

Friends have also appealed on facebook and twitter for help.

The missing man's father, Douglas Hatfield, has appealed for the public's help in tracing his son.

"Rory loved York - that is why he went there for a night out," he said.

"The police have been fabulous, but I would just ask anyone who has any information to get in touch with them as they try to find Rory."

Mr Johnson is white, 5ft 11in tall, slim and has short blond hair. He was wearing a round-neck black top, blue jeans and white and navy trainers.

Anyone who can help is urged to call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1, and speak to the Force Control Room. Please quote reference number 12150207141.