One local woman said: “I heard the first boy went into the river from the swing and he showed he was in trouble so the second one went in after him, which I believe is the one who died.
“There was a group of about eight teenage girls and boys so they must have travelled here together.
“It’s very common to see kids travelling from the Newcastle area. They think it’s a calm spot to jump in the river but they don’t realise the dangers. It’s absolutely devastating.”
She added: “My kids used to play down there and I would always say please, please be careful. I’ve even been down there and cut the swing down before, but the kids put it back up.
“The river is very deep and the kids don’t realise how deep and dangerous it is.”
Another local whose house backs onto the police cordon said: “On a still day you can actually see small circles of water being made by the currents. Below the water is full of great big holes and boulders.”
A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: “Shortly after 3.30pm on Saturday, police received a report of concern for the welfare of two teenage boys who were in the river near the bridge at Ovingham.
“Emergency services were immediately deployed to the area and one of the boys, aged 13, was rescued from the water. He was taken to hospital where he remains in a critical condition.”
The parents of both boys are being supported by specially trained officers, the force said.
Chief Superintendent Helena Barron said: “This is an absolutely tragic incident and our thoughts are with the families of both boys at this difficult time as we continue to support them.
“It is with great sadness that we could not provide a more positive update.”
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
