Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Teenage boy found dead in River Wear

Major search operation launched after 13-year-old seen going into water in County Durham

Chiara Giordano
Monday 24 February 2020 14:27 GMT
Comments
General view of part of the River Wear in Durham.
General view of part of the River Wear in Durham. (iStock/Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A body, thought to be that of a 13-year-old boy, has been found in the River Wear, police say.

A major search operation was launched on Sunday night after reports of the youngster entering the river at Toronto Bridge near Bishop Auckland, in County Durham.

Durham Constabulary said formal identificiation has not yet taken place, but the body is believed to be that of the missing boy. His family have been informed.

The boy’s death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner, police said.

Specialists from Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, National Police Air Service and the Coastguard were involved in the search.

A police spokesperson said in a statement: “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.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in