Devil's Bridge and the River Lune at Kirkby Lonsdale. Photo: Karl and Ali CC-BY-SA-2.0

The body of a man was found in a Cumbrian river after a search by a mountain rescue team’s swiftwater experts.

The 22-year-old man from Manchester jumped into the River Lune at Devil’s Bridge, Kirkby Lonsdale, yesterday.

Police were called shortly after 5pm from members of the public concerned the man had not resurfaced.

A spokesperson for Kendal Mountain Rescue Team said: “We joined in a search which involved the police, a police helicopter, and the fire and rescue service.

“Our swiftwater rescue technicians searched the river for more than two miles downstream of the bridge.

“Sadly, a body was recovered by police divers shortly before midnight.”

A Cumbria Police spokeswoman said the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

She added: “A 22-year-old male from the Manchester area has since been identified by family members.”

Devil’s Bridge, which dates from the mid-14th century, is a popular stopping-off point for travellers on the main A65 road between the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District.

Authorities discourage jumping from the bridge and the local district council banned the practice because of safety fears. The man was believed to be with a group who leapt into the River Lune from the bridge.

Many volunteer mountain rescue teams now undertake swiftwater rescue training in addition to their traditional skills put to use on the mountains.