Boy, 14, has died and his 13-year-old friend is fighting for life after getting into difficulty while swimming in River Tyne at Ovingham

A 14-year-old boy has died and a 13-year-old boy is in a critical condition after getting into difficulty in the River Tyne at Ovingham on Saturday, 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 currently remains in a critical condition.

A number of organisations conducted a thorough search of the area in a bid to locate the second boy.

Emergency services including ambulance, police and fire and rescue crews were stationed at the scene on Saturday

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: 'Shortly after 3.30pm police received a report of concern for the welfare of two teenage boys who had come into difficulty in the water near to Ovingham bridge in Northumberland'

A massive hunt was launched near the River Tyne to find two teenage boys who vanished while swimming in Ovingham

Sadly, the 14-year-old's body was later found in the water and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The parents of both boys are being supported by specially-trained officers at this extremely difficult time.

Chief Superintendent Helena Barron, of Northumbria Police, 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.

'A number of agencies were involved in the incident and their support was hugely appreciated.

'It is with great sadness that we could not provide a more positive update.'

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.