The body of a teenage boy, believed to be aged 13, has been pulled from a river. 

The discovery was made by Durham Police in the River Wear, near Bishop Auckland, on Monday.

“A multi-agency search operation was launched last night following reports that a person had gone into the river near Toronto Bridge,” a spokesperson for the force said.

“Sadly, the body of a teenager was found in the river this morning. Formal identification has yet to take place, but it is believed to be the body of a 13-year-old boy.

“His family have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this tragic time.”

Police said the death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.

“We would like to thank our colleagues from Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, National Police Air Service (NPAS) and the coastguard for their assistance during the search,” the force added.

The River Wear burst its banks at Durham earlier this month when Storm Dennis hit the region, flooding parts of the town centre.