Boy, 14, found dead and second teenager in critical condition after major search of River Tyne

A 14-year-old boy has died and a 13-year-old boy is in critical condition after getting into difficulty in the River Tyne on Saturday.

Police say the older boy’s body was found after an extensive search of the River Tyne near Ovingham Bridge, Northumberland.

Emergency services were called at 3.30pm on Saturday following reports that two boys were in the river.

The families of the two boys are being supported by specially trained officers, Northumbria Police said.

In a statement the force said: “A boy has sadly died after getting into difficulty in the River Tyne at Northumberland.

“Shortly after 3.30pm on 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.

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“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 fire service, North East Ambulance Service and the Great North Air Ambulance (GNAAS) were also deployed to help with the search.

Chief Superintendent Helena Barron, of Northumbria Police, added: “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.”

A cordon remains in place around the area on Sunday morning.