Body found in search for teenage boy who got into difficulty in river

A major search operation was launched shortly after 5pm on Monday, August 17 when officers received reports that the teenager had entered the water at Broken Scar in Darlington.

Police were aided in the search by Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, the North East Ambulance Service, Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team and underwater search teams.

Durham Police told members of the public to avoid the area on Monday evening while rescue teams worked to locate the missing boy.

Shortly before midnight, a body was found and officers believe it is that of the missing teenager although formal identification is yet to have taken place.

A statement on the Durham Constabulary Facebook page said: “We are sorry to report a body has been found in the River Tees at Broken Scar, Darlington.

"A multi-agency search operation was launched shortly after 5pm yesterday following reports a teenager had gone into the river and had got into difficulty.

“Sadly, a body was found shortly before midnight. Formal identification has yet to take place, but it is believed to be the body of a 15-year-old boy.”

“His family have been informed and are being supported and our thoughts are with them at this tragic time.

“His death is not being treated as suspicious.”

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