Teenager's body pulled from River Wear in County Durham

The body of a 13-year-old boy has been pulled from the River Wear in County Durham.

Formal identification has yet to take place, but police believe it is John James Ritchie-Wilson, who went missing on Sunday from his home near Bishop Auckland.

Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

A multi-agency search operation was launched on Sunday following reports that someone was seen going into the river near the Toronto Bridge, or Newton Cap Viaduct, in Bishop Auckland.

On Monday morning John James’s mother, Jane Wilson, made an appeal for him to return home.

She posted on Facebook: “Please share, John James Ritchie-Wilson. 13 yr old, just under 5ft tall. Bring my boy home! Missing since yesterday, Bishop Auckland. Possibly seen near Toronto Bridge. If any of his friends know ANYTHING msg me or call the police.”

She told her son she was not angry with him, writing: “jj if u see this, ur not in trouble just please come home!”

In a statement at lunchtime on Monday Durham constabulary said: “We are sorry to report a body has been found in the River Wear near Bishop Auckland. A multi-agency search operation was launched last night following reports that a person had gone into the river near Toronto Bridge.

“Sadly, the body of a teenager was found in the river this morning. Formal identification has yet to take place, but it is believed to be the body of a 13-year-old boy. His family have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this tragic time. His death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.

“We would like to thank our colleagues from Teesdale and Weardale search and mountain rescue team, County Durham and Darlington fire and rescue service, National Police Air Service (NPAS) and the coastguard for their assistance during the search.”

On Monday morning police urged members of the public to stay away from the search area for their own safety as conditions were “particularly hazardous”.