Tributes paid to 'typical Geordie boy' who died in River Tyne at Ovingham

Flowers have been laid at the scene near to where the boy died. Credit: ITV Tyne Tees

A family friend of a 14-year-old boy who died after getting into difficulty in the River Tyne has described him as a "typical Geordie boy".

The teenager died in the water at Ovingham while a 13-year-old boy was left in a critical condition following an incident reported at about 3.30pm on Saturday 18 May.

Nicu Ion works as a community leader in Fenham, in Newcastle, and knew the schoolboy from when he was a small child.

Mr Ion told ITV Tyne Tees: "I remember him coming to church, to different community events. He was a happy lad, made lots of friends throughout the community.

"He was popular and it's just so unfortunate what happened."

A large emergency services presence attended the scene on Saturday afternoon. Credit: ITV Tyne Tees

Mr Ion said the boy's family moved to Newcastle around 10 years ago, migrating from Romania.

He said they settled in the West End of Newcastle and have lived there ever since.

Emergency services were immediately deployed and the surviving boy was rescued from the water.

The body of the 14-year-old boy was later found in the water, following a search, and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

A nearby tree, which used to overhang the river at Ovingham, Northumberland, and which had a rope swing attached to it, has been cut down.

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To know...