Major search under way for teens missing in Tyne

A major police search was under way at the River Tyne after two teenage youths were reported to have gone missing after going swimming on Saturday afternoon. 

Police received reports of the incident in Ovingham, Northumberland, at 3.30pm and deployed services to the scene after concerns for the welfare of two boys, ChronicleLive reported. 

Police confirmed a large multi-agency presence were in the area and asked the public not to gather so officers could better carry out their duties.

A spokesperson for the force said: “Shortly after 3.30pm today (Saturday) police received a report of concern for the welfare of two teenage boys who had come into difficulty in the water near to Ovingham bridge in Northumberland. Emergency services were immediately deployed.

“There is a large multi-agency presence in the area, and we would ask the public not to gather where possible to allow for those at scene to carry out their duties.”

A North East Ambulance Service spokesman added: “We were called to reports of concerns of two people in the water in Ovingham at 3.30pm this afternoon (18 May). We dispatched our full Hazardous Area Response Team as well as two ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, a clinical team leader and an officer.

“We also requested support from Great North Air Ambulance Service. We are currently still on scene.”

The Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service took to X to announce that a road closure was in place, later adding: “Teams are currently on scene at an ongoing incident at the river Tyne near Ovingham. Two Swift Water Rescue units from Pegswood, an appliance from Prudhoe and a number of senior officers are present.

“We are working with Police, the Ambulance Service + Mountain Rescue at this time.”