TRIBUTES have been paid to a man who died after falling into the icy River Tees while trying to rescue his dogs.

John Thomas Butterfield was dragged beneath the ice after going onto the frozen river near the Infinity Bridge, Stockton, at about 1pm on Sunday.

The 51-year-old, from Portrack, Stockton, had been trying to rescue his two dogs, which had fallen through the ice.

Mr Butterfield’s niece, Christina Whitfield, and brother, Gerry Butterfield, have paid tribute.

They said: “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 type of tragedy happening again.”

Inspector Ian Greenwood, of Cleveland Police, said that passers-by attempted in vain to save Mr Butterfield.

He said: “People tried to help him by thrusting a log into the water, but he would not let go of his two dogs.”

Mr Butterfield was airlifted to The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, by police helicopter, where he was pronounced dead.

The bodies of his two dogs, one black and one beige, have not yet been recovered.

The emergency services have issued further warnings against people going onto the ice for any reason.

Steve Owens, manager of Thornaby fire station, said: “If a person or animal becomes trapped, do not go out to rescue them yourself.

“The freezing temperatures we are experiencing will quickly make you a casualty.

“The best thing to do is call the emergency services and give clear, calm directions to the operator. Look for landmarks we can use to ensure we arrive as quickly as possible.

“Prevention is the best way to avoid tragedies on the ice.

Keep a close eye on children and keep pets on a lead.”

Inspector Steve Young, of Stockton police, said: “Thickness of ice can vary, particularly when there are fluctuating temperatures.

“We would hate another tragedy to happen and strongly urge people never to walk on any iced-over water, be it a pond, a stream or a river.”

Passer-by Steve Canham told how he tried to rescue Mr Butterfield with a branch.

He said: “ All the time I was shouting to let go of the dogs and get hold of the log. But he wouldn’t let go of the dogs for

Snow death in park ‘a tragic accident’

A MOTHER died in the snow less than 400 metres from her home in a park where she walked almost daily.

Angela Douglas, 42, had been missing for 16 hours when her freezing body was found in Newbiggin Lane Park, Newcastle, by a dog walker on Saturday morning.

The mother-of-one was last seen alive by her husband, Kevin, at 7pm on Friday when she left their home in St Mark’s Court for a walk.

Last night, Mr Douglas pleaded with people not to underestimate the dangers of extreme weather – no matter how close to home they are.

Mr Douglas has laid flowers from himself and their 12- year-old daughter, Molly.

He said: “Angela was a wonderful, kind person. She loved children. I’m in shock. This shows something this terrible can happen to anyone.”

While a post mortem examination has yet to be carried out on Mrs Douglas police believe the likely cause of death will be hypothermia.

They have ruled out any criminal involvement and have put the death down to a “tragic accident”, although officers say she had not suffered any visible injuries.