(PA)
(Picture: PA Archive)Officers searching for a missing 13-year-old who got into trouble in a river near Ovingham, Northumberland, have found a body.
Northumbria Police said the body was found following extensive searches by the force’s marine unit.
A spokesman said on Twitter: “Sadly, a body has since been found in the water.
“Formal ID has yet to take place but we believe it to be the missing boy. This is a tragic update that we hoped we’d never have to give.
“His family are being supported by officers [and] our thoughts are with them at this awful time.”
Police received a report of concern about the teenager on Sunday afternoon shortly before 4.15pm.
He was seen entering the River Tyne, police said.
A multi-agency response was carried out while police urged the public not to gather nearby or speculate.
Extensive searches for the boy were carried out by by the police marine unit, local fire services, HMCoastguard and Mountain Rescue volunteers.
“Our thoughts go out to the boy’s family and friends at this devastating time and I would ask that their privacy is respected as they attempt to come to terms with what has happened,” Northumbria Police said.
“It is with great sadness that we could not provide a more positive update.We do not believe there to be any third party involvement and a report will be made for the coroner.”
It comes as authorities issue safety warnings, including how to stay safe in the water, as an unprecedented heatwave grips Britain.
The Met Office has issued a high of 29C in Northumberland on Monday.
