Robert Hattersley: Boy's River Tyne death leaves family devastated

Robert Hattersley brought a smile to many people, his family have said

The family of a 13-year-old boy who died in a river say they are "absolutely devastated" by their loss.

Robert Hattersley, of Crawcrook, Tyne and Wear, got into difficulty in the River Tyne near Ovingham, Northumberland, at about 16:15 GMT on Sunday.

His family said he was "so kind and loving" and "brought a smile to so many people's faces".

Northumbria Police described his death as "absolutely tragic".

In a statement released through the police, Robert's family said: "It is impossible to put into words the heartbreak we are feeling - Robert was so kind and loving. We are absolutely devastated by what has happened.

"He brought a smile to so many people's faces and he will be missed by absolutely everyone who knew and loved him."

Police, fire and ambulance crews were at the scene on Sunday

The family also thanked the emergency services and volunteers who searched for and found Robert after the alarm was raised when he went missing.

Northumbria Police said it did not believe there to be any third party involvement and a report would be made for the coroner.

Det Ch Insp Martin Brooks said: "This is an absolutely tragic incident and our thoughts are with Robert's family at this absolutely horrendous time.

"We will continue to support them in any way that we can, as they attempt to process the events of the last 24 hours.

"I would like to thank every organisation who assisted us with our searches, including all the volunteers.

"Your support is absolutely vital and it is hugely appreciated. It is with great sadness that we could not provide a more positive update."

Flowers from Robert's friends and family have been left beside the river

Robert's death has prompted calls for improved river safety education especially on that part of the Tyne.

Angie Scott, who represents Prudhoe North on Northumberland County Council, had to be rescued while swimming in that area when she was 14.

She said another boy had to be pulled from the same stretch of water recently and urged people not swim there, even if tempted by the current heatwave.

"It looks a lovely part of the Tyne but it is so dangerous," Ms Scott told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

She said she would look at safety measures in the area including signage warning of the danger.

Paul Hedley, the chief fire officer for Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, said the "absolute tragedy" underlines the "very real dangers presented by rivers and the sea".

"The water may look calm on the surface, but there can be strong undercurrents that could pull even a strong swimmer under the water," he said, adding: "Even when the weather feels very hot, the water may feel warm on the surface, but just a few feet below the surface it can be icy cold - affecting the stamina and strength of even strong swimmers."