A man tragically died after failing to return home from a popular Sunderland swimming spot on Wednesday evening - prompting a multi-agency search.

At around 11.30 pm on Wednesday (May 31) Northumbria Police officers received a report of concern for the welfare of a 55-year-old man, who had not returned home from an open water swimming session in Hetton Lyons Park.

A multi-agency search of the area was carried out by officers, the National Police Air Service (NPAS) and colleagues from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS).

Sadly, searches recovered the man's body from the water - and police are now appealing for any witnesses to come forward and help them in their enquiries. 

Read more: Man's body pulled from lake at Hetton Lyons Park, Sunderland

The man’s family were notified are currently being supported by specialist officers at this time.

An investigation remains ongoing in the circumstances surrounding the man’s death in Hetton Lyons Park, and a number of enquiries have already been carried out.

Today (Saturday) officers have issued an appeal asking for any witnesses who were in Hetton Lyons Park between 5.30 pm and 8 pm on Wednesday, to get in touch.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Chris Deavin from Northumbria Police’s Major Incident Team said: “This is an incredibly difficult time for the man’s family, who are still trying to process what has happened. We’d ask their privacy to be respected while they come to terms with their loss.

“Our investigation is ongoing and we are determined to do all we can to establish what happened and provide the answers the man’s family desperately need.

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“We’ve already spoken with a number of those who were in attendance at the swimming session, as well as others who were out in the park that evening. Their information has been extremely helpful to us which is why we are asking for anyone else who might have been in the park between 5.30 pm and 8 pm to get in touch with us.

“Your information, no matter how small, or insignificant it might seem, could really aid our investigation.”

You can contact police using the ‘Tell Us Something’ page on our website, or by calling 101 and quoting log NP-20230531-1384.