Two bodies recovered in search for Kempston canoeists

Two bodies were recovered from the River Great Ouse at Kempston on Sunday

Two women have been found dead after reports of canoeists getting into difficulty in the River Great Ouse.

Police received a call about capsized canoes and a possible female struggling at the weir, off Water Lane, Kempston at 10:50am BST on Sunday.

Bedfordshire Police alongside fire and rescue and ambulance service workers recovered the bodies of the two women.

It said the deaths were non-suspicious and the investigation had been passed to the coroner.

Floral tributes have appeared at the weir

No formal identification had yet taken place, but the women's next of kin have now been informed, police said.

Officers said a police presence would remain and the public have been requested to avoid the weir embankment area.

Antonia and Geoff Stone from Kempston have left flowers at the site

People living nearby have been to the weir to lay floral tributes.

Geoff Stone, from Kempston, said it was a popular spot for canoeists and kayakists but they "usually don't come further up stream than the footbridge".

"Weirs are always bad because you get the backwash... it's a bit like a tumble drier... but people don't usually come up here in boats," he said.

His wife, Antonia, added: "I feel really sad, that's why I came here to offer a prayer."

Det Insp Matt Inwood, from Bedfordshire Police, said: "Our thoughts and condolences are with all those impacted during this difficult time.

"We know that a situation like this can cause huge distress to the local community. I want to reassure people that we are engaging with our partners to ensure sensible safeguards are put into place for this part of the river.

"We are now assisting the coroner with their investigation into this tragic incident and will continue to do all we can to assist with their inquiries."