Boy, 14, dies after going missing in River Tyne as teen pal fights for life

A 14-year-old boy has tragically died and another is fighting for his life after getting into difficulty in the River Tyne at Northumberland.

Police launched a frantic search in the river near a bridge at Ovingham around 3.30pm on Saturday after receiving reports of concern for two boys.

Emergency services rushed to the scene and one of the boys, aged 13, was rescued from the water. He was taken to hospital by helicopter and remains today in a critical condition, police said.

The 14-year-old’s body was later found in the water as responders carried out a search of the area. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

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.”

A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson earlier said that they had dispatched a full Hazardous Area Response Team in response to the incident, as well as two ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, a clinical team leader and an officer.

Fire and rescue teams were also sent to the scene. Road closures were put in place by police in the surrounding area, and the public were asked not to "gather" near the scene to allow emergency services to carry out their response.

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