Boy, 13, Found Dead After Swimming In River In Heatwave

Robert Hattersley, 13, went missing after jumping into the River Tyne near Ovingham in Northumberland during the heatwave.

The teenager's body was missing after he got into difficulty while swimming in a river yesterday. He passed away shortly before 4.15pm yesterday.

Today, Robert’s grieving family have paid tribute to the much-loved schoolboy and say he will be missed by everyone who knew him.

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They said: ‘It is impossible to put into words the heartbreak we are feeling – Robert was so kind and loving. We are absolutely devastated by what has happened.

‘He brought a smile to so many people’s faces and he will be missed by absolutely everyone who knew and loved him.

‘We’d like to thank all the emergency services who worked so hard to try to find Robert, as well as everyone who has been in touch passing on their messages of condolence.’

After the teenager went missing, emergency services were deployed in huge numbers to search for him.

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This morning, Northumbria Police said his body was found following extensive searches by the force’s marine unit.

A spokesman said on Twitter had said: ‘Sadly, a body has since been found in the water.

‘This is a tragic update that we hoped we’d never have to give.

‘His family are being supported by officers & our thoughts are with them at this awful time.’

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Detective Chief Inspector Martin Brooks said: ‘Our thoughts go out to the male’s family and friends at this devastating time and I would ask that their privacy is respected as they attempt to come to terms with what has happened.

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‘I would like to thank every organisation who assisted us with our searches, including all the volunteers. Your support is absolutely vital and it is hugely appreciated.

‘It is with great sadness that we could not provide a more positive update.’