Police statement after body recovered from river

We’re sorry to report that a body has been recovered from the River Tees in Barnard Castle this afternoon.

We were called to reports of concern for a kayaker who had got into difficulty in the river just before 2pm.

Multiple emergency services including the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, North East Ambulance Service, Great North Air Ambulance Service, The Coastguard and the Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team were involved in the search but sadly the body of a 20-year-old woman was recovered just after 4pm.

Her family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.