A major rescue operation is underway after reports of two teenage boys in difficulty in the River Tyne.

Emergency services were called to the area near Tyne Riverside Country Park, at Ovingham bridge, near Prudhoe, at around 3.30pm.

Police, fire crews and ambulance have been searching for two teenage boys who were reported to be in the water near the bridge.

The Northern Echo: A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called to reports of concerns of two people in the water in Ovingham at 3.30pm this afternoon. “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.”

Northumbria Police set up road closures and is asking people to avoid the area to allow crews to do their work.

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The Northern Echo: A spokesperson 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 to not to gather where possible to allow for those at scene to carry out their duties.”

Anyone with information which could assist is asked to get in touch with police via 101 quoting log NP-20240518-0720.