Second boy dies in river tragedy

Aras Rudzianskas and David Radut got into difficulty in the River Tyne near Ovingham on Saturday

A second teenage boy has died after getting into difficulty in the River Tyne on Saturday, police have confirmed.

The 13-year-old, who has been named as Aras Rudzianskas from Newcastle, was one of two teenagers who found themselves in trouble in the water at Ovingham, Northumberland.

The other victim, whose body was found after an extensive search of the river, has been identified as David Radut, 14, also from Newcastle.

Aras was rescued from the water and taken to hospital, but died on Tuesday, Northumbria Police said.

The two friends were spotted in the river, close to Ovingham Bridge, at about 15:30 BST on Saturday.

Emergency crews rescued Aras but David was found in the water and pronounced dead at the scene.

Flowers were left on the riverbank in honour of the two teenagers

David's mother, Aurora Radut, has started a fundraising effort to help with the funeral costs.

Councillor Nicu Ion, a friend of the Radut family and a leader at Holy Trinity Romanian Church in Newcastle, remembered David as a "happy, friendly young boy" when they moved to the area 10 years ago.

"It’s just a very sad tragic situation," Mr Ion said. "But the community is here, and we are united. They are not alone in this."

Nicu Ion said the river at Ovingham needed to be made safer

Mr Ion said David’s parents and siblings were still in shock.

"There will always be that sense of loss, and pain and sorrow of losing a son."

He added his concern about the safety of the stretch of river where the boys were fatally injured and said youngsters needed to be made more aware of the dangers of open water.

Mr Ion's church is planning to hold a vigil for friends and schoolmates of the teenagers.

Meanwhile, Ch Supt Sam Rennison said: "Our sincerest sympathies go to the loved ones of both boys and we will continue to provide whatever support we can at this devastating time.

"Since Saturday, our thoughts and those of the wider community have been with the families and friends of those affected."