After a day-long search for Alex Foulkes, helicopter and mountain rescue teams had found only his jacket and one of his shoes.

A police spokesman said the search would resume at first light on Wednesday, but hopes of finding him alive were fading.

The 17-year-old fell into a river on Monday during a trip with Harrogate Grammar School, in North Yorkshire, British consular spokesman Alan Reuter confirmed.

A heatwave melting the snowy mountain peaks across northern Italy had contributed to the river's raging waters.

Alex's parents flew out to Italy on Tuesday morning.

School 'stunned'

"We are offering them consular assistance and looking after them," Mr Reuter added.

The school confirmed Alex was among a group of 12 students who were staying at Val d'Aosta after flying out on Saturday for a two-week holiday.

Two teachers and an English mountain guide were walking through foothills at Valgrisenche, near the French border, with 10 of the students when the incident happened.

We are desperately hoping for good news Dr Philip Limbert, head teacher

The rest of the school party, who were on the trip organised by London-based Exodus Travel, are expected to fly home on Wednesday.

Pupils were told of the accident by teachers at assemblies on Tuesday and the school has written to all parents.

The school's head teacher, Dr Philip Limbert, said in a statement: "The school is still coming to terms with the news, which has stunned us all.

"We are trying to gather information from Italy and keep everyone informed about the situation.

"We are desperately hoping for good news. Our hopes and prayers are with Alex's family."

Cynthia Wellbourn, director of education at North Yorkshire County Council, said: "We have offered a full counselling service for everyone concerned and support for the school community.

"I have no doubt that the professionalism of the head teacher, his senior management team, and other staff will help the school through this difficult time."