Second teenage boy dies in Northumberland river tragedy

23 May 2024, 06:40 | Updated: 23 May 2024, 08:55

A second teenager has died days after after getting into difficulty in the River Tyne in Northumberland.

Aras Rudzianskas, 13, got into difficulty in Ovingham on Saturday. He passed away on Tuesday after being rushed to hospital following the incident.

His friend, 14-year-old David Radut, died at the scene in Ovingham.

Both boys, who were friends, were from Newcastle.

Northumbria Police have said their thoughts are with their families.

Emergency and rescue services were called to the River Tyne at around 3.30pm on Saturday and a major search and rescue operation was carried out.

Aras was described as being in a critical condition after the incident and he died despite the efforts of medical staff. Northumbria Police said the parents of both boys continue to be supported by specially-trained officers.

Chief Superintendent Sam Rennison said: "Our sincerest sympathies go to the loved ones of both boys and we will continue to provide whatever support we can at this devastating time.

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"Since Saturday, our thoughts and those of the wider community have been with the families and friends of those affected. "We would ask that the public continue to respect the privacy of the families both online and in the community."

Online fundraising appeals have been set up for both families to help them meet the funeral costs.

Earlier this week, flowers were laid beside the River Tyne close to where the friends had been playing.