The man who died after falling into the River Tees has this morning been named as John Thomas Butterfield.

The 51-year-old was dragged beneath the ice after going onto the frozen river near the Infinity Bridge, Stockton, yesterday afternoon.

"We would urge and warn people to stay off the ice to stop this tragedy happening again.”

Statement by Mr Butterfield's family

"We would urge and warn people to stay off the ice to stop this tragedy happening again.”

Statement by Mr Butterfield's family

Mr Butterfield, from Portrack, Stockton, had been trying to rescue his two pet dogs who had fallen through the ice.

His niece Christina Whitfield and brother Gerry Butterfield said today: “Our family are devastated about what has happened.

"We have lost a much loved uncle and brother and two loved family pets.

"We would urge and warn people to stay off the ice to stop this tragedy happening again.”