Emergency services search for missing swimmer in the River Tyne

Rescue teams search a stretch of the River Tyne in Northumberland. Credit: ITV News Tyne Tees

A large-scale search has been launched for a missing swimmer in Northumberland.

Police received a report of concern for the welfare of a male who was seen in the River Tyne, near to Ovingham, in the Tyne Valley, shortly before 4:15pm on Sunday 17 July.

There was a large multi-agency presence from the emergency services in the area on Sunday evening. Credit: ITV News Tyne Tees

Emergency services, including police, the fire service, specialist search teams and HM Coastguard Search and Rescue and the North East Ambulance Service, were sent to the scene and remained in the area after 8pm.

The police, fire service, ambulance, coastguard and mountain rescuers were on the scene. Credit: ITV News Tyne Tees

The public was being asked to avoid the area where possible to allow emergency services to carry out their work.