Teenager dies and second in critical condition after falling into River Tyne in Northumberland

Emergency services were called to Ovingham Bridge yesterday afternoon

Ovingham Bridge, Northumberland
Author: Jonny FreemanPublished 19th May 2024

A teenage boy has died after getting into difficulty in the River Tyne in Northumberland.

Emergency services were called to Ovingham Bridge yesterday to reports two teenagers were in the water.

Extensive searches led to the body of a 14 year old being discovered.

A 13 year old was rescued and is in a critical condition in hospital.

Northumbria Police say specially trained officers are supporting the boys' families.

Northumbria Police statement

A boy has sadly died after getting into difficulty in the River Tyne at Northumberland.

Shortly after 3.30pm yesterday (Saturday), police received a report of concern for the welfare of two teenage boys who were in the river near the bridge at Ovingham.

Emergency services were immediately deployed to the area and one of the boys, aged 13, was rescued from the water.

He was taken to hospital where he currently remains in a critical condition.

A number of organisations conducted a thorough search of the area in a bid to locate the second boy.

Sadly, the 14-year-old’s body was later found in the water and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The parents of both boys are being supported by specially-trained officers at this extremely difficult time.

Chief Superintendent Helena Barron, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is an absolutely tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the families of both boys at this difficult time as we continue to support them.

“A number of agencies were involved in the incident and their support was hugely appreciated.

“It is with great sadness that we could not provide a more positive update.”

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