YORK Rescue Boat's founder is hopeful a river search for missing man Rory Johnson-Hatfield can resume tomorrow.

Dave Benson said this afternoon he hoped weather conditions and the state of the Ouse would be safe enough for the boat and another operated by police to go out on the water.

"I am hoping we can eliminate this line of inquiry for the peace of mind of the family," he added.

His comments came after a planned search today was postponed following an assessment by the Regional Underwater Search Team, based at Humberside Police, which concluded adverse weather conditions and the current level of the Ouse meant the river was not safe enough.

North Yorkshire Police said an assessment would be made again tomorrow morning by the Underwater Search Team, to determine whether it is safe for searches to go ahead. Sunshine is forecast for tomorrow in York.

"Rory's family have been made aware and are being supported by specialist police officers," said a spokeswoman.

"The investigation is continuing today with officers following up inquiries and reviewing CCTV footage."

Police are appealing for anyone who recalls seeing Rory or someone matching his description in York on Thursday evening or Friday to contact them on 101.