Checks under way after report of person in River Wear in Sunderland

An inquiry is being carried out by police following a report someone had entered the River Wear in the early hours of today.

By The Newsroom

Published 10th Dec 2017, 11:02 BST

Updated 12th Dec 2017, 12:15 BST

The emergency services were called to the Wearmouth Bridge area earlier today.

Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team joined colleagues from Seaham and Sunderland's RNLI Inshore and Atlantic Lifeboats at 6.30am today after a call a person had possibly entered the river wound the Wearmouth Bridge.

A spokesman for the Coastguard said: "After a search involving both Coastguard teams, lifeboats and police helicopter, all units were stood down with nothing untoward having been found.

"It is understood that Northumbria Police are making further enquiries to validate the authenticity of the report."

It added coastal emergencies should be reported to the Coastguard via 999.

The Samaritans can be called on 116 123 or by emailing [email protected].