Boy drowns in river accident

The boy was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham

A 12-year-old boy has drowned in a "tragic accident" in a river on the outskirts of Durham City.

The boy died while swimming with friends in the River Browney, at Sunderland Bridge, in Croxdale, on Wednesday afternoon.

The unnamed boy is believed to be from the County Durham area.

A spokesman for Durham Police said his friends - two teenage girls and an 11-year-old boy - raised the alarm and a passer-by pulled him from the water.

Paramedics began resuscitation until a police helicopter arrived and took the unconscious boy to the University Hospital of North Durham.

River dangers

The spokesman said resuscitation attempts continued aboard the aircraft but he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.

Inspector Mick Henson said: "All the indications are that this was a tragic accident but obviously there will have to be an inquest in due course.

"Our sympathies are very much with this lad's family.

"Unfortunately, it does illustrate the potential dangers for swimmers even in what seems to be clear water on a bright, sunny day."