Police divers in river exercise

The exercise will test the regional response

Police divers from forces around the country are putting their skills to the test during an exercise.

Northumbria Police is hosting the event on Wednesday at several locations on the River Tyne.

It will test the response and ability of police divers from Northumbria, Humberside, Lincolnshire, South and West Yorkshire and Norfolk.

The exercise will involve up to 50 people including observers from the Environment Agency and other forces.

Insp John Watts, from Northumbria's Marine Unit, said: "As well as testing Northumbria's ability to manage a large scale underwater search, this exercise will also be testing the regional response and identifying good practice."