Friends of missing Jason Norfolk call for River Hull safety improvements

It's exactly a year since the youngster disappeared following a night out.

Published 7th Dec 2016

There are fresh calls for improved safety along the banks of the River Hull - a year since the disappearance of young Hull man Jason Norfolk.

20-year-old Jason Norfolk disappeared following a night out in December last year and despite extensive searches - he remains missing.

Last night a vigil was held at Scale Lane Bridge where it's believed Jason fell into the water.

Friends and family of Jason gathered at the spot and lit candles and laid flowers.

Nichola Allen knew Jason well and is calling for safety railings to be fitted along rivers, especially where there's a strong presence of bars and nighclubs.

Hull City Council say while some safety improvements have already been made along the River Hull, the option to intoduce barriers along the entire stretch of the river isn't an option and is "impractical".

A council spokesperson told Viking:

“We have undertaken a number of safety measures. In addition to a guardrail already being in place at the entrance to the Scale Lane Bridge, we have installed an anti-slip surface along the full length of the boardwalk, made improvements to CCTV coverage and we are also looking into placing warning signs for pedestrians at strategic points along the walkway.

"We have previously installed barriers along the public right of way on land which the Council owns adjacent to the River Hull where there is restricted visibility, such as at bends in the footpath. However, the option to introduce barriers along the entire length of the River Hull is impractical and where access is required to boats along the working river it is not an option."

They went on to say:

“We understand that this is a distressing time for Jason’s family and our thoughts are with them.”

Meanwhile, Humberside Police say they're continuing to investigate the case and will follow up any new information that comes to light.

A Humberside Police spokesperson said:

“Jason Norfolk remains a missing person. The case is ongoing and open to any further lines of enquiry. Cases of this nature are regularly reviewed to identify any further opportunities to investigate, and any new information coming to light in relation to Jason’s whereabouts will be thoroughly followed up.

“Officers from my team will be making contact with the family in the near future. Meanwhile if anyone has any information relating to Jason’s disappearance or his current whereabouts they are asked to call Humberside Police on 101 quoting log number 384 of 6 December 2015.”