Police search for river fall man

The man fell from the east walkway of the bridge

A police helicopter and river patrol boat are searching for a man who may have been pushed into the River Tyne.

Police think the man fell into the water from the Swing Bridge early on Friday morning.

The bridge is one of the most recognisable landmarks on Tyneside and spans the Tyne between Newcastle and Gateshead.

The man, who police say is in his mid-20s, has so far not been named.

The Swing Bridge is close the Newcastle's bustling quayside area, which contains several bars and clubs.

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: "We are treating this incident as suspicious.

"The man fell from the east footpath of the bridge at about 0200 BST on Friday.

"The North East air support helicopter and our marine unit is searching for the man."