Anguish for family of missing York student Megan Roberts as body is found in river

Megan, from Wetherby, was reported missing on January 27 and was last seen leaving Popworld in York at around 2am on January 23 during a night out with friends.

North Yorkshire Police said last month that the most likely scenario is that the York St John University student fell in the river while “affected by alcohol”.

And after finding a woman’s body on Sunday in the River Ouse, five miles from the site of the original disappearance, officers yesterday identified it as being Megan. They were called at 3.27pm to Acaster Malbis after a call from a member of the public who was walking in the area.

Superintendent Phil Cain, Safer Neighbourhood Commander for York, said: “Our thoughts and sympathies are with Megan’s family at this extremely difficult and very sad time.

“Her family are receiving support from specially trained officers as they come to terms with what has happened.

“This tragedy has touched many people including Megan’s friends, fellow students at York St John University and the people of York and we extend our sympathies to them at this time.

“I hope that a small measure of comfort can be taken from the fact that Megan has now been found, albeit in the most tragic of circumstances, putting an end to the uncertainty about where she is and allowing her family and friends to grieve properly for her.

“I would like to thank the Missing People charity for their invaluable help and support during the investigation, and to members of the public and the residents of York who have phoned into the enquiry with information, their support is greatly appreciated.”

Megan’s mother Jackie Roberts said: “We would like to thank the police, fire service, and the public that have been involved in the search for Megan. We would also like to thank everyone who has offered support and comfort during this painful time.

“Megan was an intelligent, talented and beautiful person whose kindness and sense of humour will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved her.”

In a separate statement Megan’s father, Jason Roberts said: “We would like to thank the police, fire service and the public who have been involved in the search for Megan. Megan was a wonderful, kind and loving daughter who will be missed by many.”

Professor David Fleming, Vice Chancellor of York St John University, said: “It is with great sadness that the university has learned of the death of Megan Roberts, a second year Fine Arts student.

“Since Megan was reported missing the university has been working closely with police and providing support for Megan’s fellow students and members of staff.

“Megan was a bright, enthusiastic student, with a love of painting. She showed dedication to her studies and was popular with her fellow students as well as by all staff who met her and had the pleasure of working with her.

“She shared an area of the Art studios with a group of close friends who shared many of her interests in art and life, often mixing the two while working together on their creative projects in the evening.

“She will be sorely missed by all within the Fine Arts team and across the wider university community. Our thoughts are with Megan’s family and many friends at this very difficult time.”

Julia Mulligan, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, said: “This is extremely tragic news and my thoughts and sympathies are with Megan’s family and friends, who must now begin to come to terms with the loss of a young woman with the world at her feet.”