A TERRIFIED motorist had an amazing escape when his car skidded on the icy banks of a river and plunged into the freezing water.

Police said the car, believed to be a Jaguar XJS, slid into the River Ouse, in York, after architect Chris Cook tried to turn it around on the South Esplanade.

It floated a short distance before it became submerged.

Sergeant Mike Stubbs said: "He has been very, very lucky. It looks like the car has landed the right way up, so he has managed to get out.

"If it had landed the other way up or on one of its sides, he would have had a real struggle."

After escaping, Mr Cook swam to a jetty, where two passers-by pulled him out.

Sgt Stubbs said: "He was struggling to get out. His clothes were waterlogged and they were holding him back, so the two men walking past helped him get out."

Mr Cook was not injured, but was extremely shocked.

Police closed South Esplanade after the incident, which took place at 5.40pm on Monday.

Paul Thackray, City of York Council's head of highways and street operations, said South Esplanade was not a priority route for gritting.

He said: "Under normal circumstances, it is not salted or gritted. If we get specific complaints, we can act on them. If conditions are prolonged and we have the resources, then we can deal with it."