Shocked tourists react after body found near Durham bridge

Police, paramedics, and fire crews were spotted on the Old Elvet Bridge just before 12pm on Friday after the tragic discovery was made.

Blue and white police tape was strewn across the bridge blocking off access - with pictures showing the large scale emergency response with at least five ambulance crews present. 

Durham Constabulary later confirmed that a body had sadly been found in the search for missing Durham man Paul, 51, who went missing from his home in the Sherburn Road area on Saturday. 

Police at the Old Elvet Bridge in Durham and (inset) missing man Paul (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO / DURHAM CONSTABULARY)

Formal identification has yet to take place, but the Paul's family have been informed.

The Northern Echo visited the scene on Friday afternoon, where residents described how emergency services suddenly "popped up" on the bridge. 

One woman, who was visiting the city from Stoke with her husband, explained: "We were just in the cafe drinking our tea when the police started to roll up.

"We didn’t expect anything like this to happen. From what people are saying, it’s just terrible”.

Another person at the scene, who wished to remain nameless, added: "This wasn’t here all here when I came through town at 11, it’s all just popped up in the last few hours."

Footpaths down towards the river were blocked off at the time of the incident, although businesses either side of the bridge remained open. 

Responding to the tragic news of the body discovery, one person said: "We’ve just heard a man’s body has been found - you have to think of his poor family.”

A full statement from the force said: "We are sad to report that a body has been found in the search for missing Durham man Paul.

"Formal identification has yet to take place, but the family of the 51-year-old have been informed.

"At this stage, the death is being treated as non-suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner. Our thoughts are with his family and friends."

A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called to an incident today (19 July) at Elvet Bridge in Durham shortly before midday.

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"We dispatched one ambulance crew, one duty officer and three HART crews (Hazardous Area Response Team) to the incident."

A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said: “At 11.40am today (Friday), we were alerted to an incident at Old Elvet Bridge in Durham City.

"One fire engine from Durham fire station attended and assisted our emergency service partners. Crews left the scene at 2.20pm."