THE parents of a student who has been missing since last weekend made an emotional appeal for his return today.

Robert Davies, 20, was described as a kind-hearted person who loved going out with his friends.

The chemistry student had just returned to the University of York last Friday to begin his third year but went missing in the early hours of Sunday after a night out.

His parents Kim and Tony Davies, from Bury, Greater Manchester, held on to each other as they appealed for information about their son.

The police have searched everywhere, Mrs Davies, 46, said. "It's as though he's just been plucked... just taken."

Mr Davies, 50, said the last time he saw his son was when he dropped him back at university.

"Rob was so happy to be coming back to York. He loved the nights out here," Mr Davies said.

"He loved the place."

The student was last seen by friends just after midnight on Sunday when he left the Priory public house on Micklegate.

CCTV footage later showed Mr Davies walking to Ziggys nightclub but not getting in.

Chief Inspector Dave Hall, who is leading the investigation, said: "Robert's usual route home if walking from the city centre has been searched, which includes the rivers Ouse and Foss.

"These searches have been completed with the assistance of the Northumberland Police underwater search unit and also the RAF Air/Sea Rescue Unit."