Man's body recovered from river Wear near Queen Alexandra Bridge

Emergency services including Northumbria Police, the North East Ambulance Service and the Sunderland RNLI inshore lifeboat were called to Queen Alexandra Bridge around 12.30pm on Sunday.

Northumbria Police have confirmed a man had died and emergency services recovered the body.

A spokesperson said: “Shortly before 12.30pm yesterday, we received a report of a body in the River Wear near the Queen Alexandra Bridge.

“Officers attended the scene and the body of a 61-year-old male was recovered from the water.

“Enquiries to trace the man's next of kin are ongoing.

“There is not believed to be any third party involvement and a report is being prepared for the coroner.”

Sunday’s call out was the second over the weekend, after a man was rescued from the water unharmed on Saturday.

The alarm was raised just before 9am, after the man was spotted in the water near the Queen Alexandra Bridge.

The inshore lifeboat was able to get him on board and he was then taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital.

A Northumbria Police statement confirmed the man was not injured.

The force said: “Shortly after 9.05am on Saturday, August 8, police received a report a male was in the River Wear, near the Queen Alexandra Bridge.

“Officers attended to assist paramedics, the coastguard and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and a 52-year-old man was subsequently pulled from the water.

“The male is not believed to have sustained any injuries, and was referred for treatment.”

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