The River Tyne near Riding Mill. Photo: Clive Nicholson CC-BY-SA-2.0

The body of a third missing kayaker has been found in the River Tyne.

Police discovered the man’s body under Styford Bridge near Riding Mill in Northumberland today.

Two men’s bodies were found earlier today after a major search for the paddlers who were reported missing at 11pm yesterday after they failed to return home.

Two South Shields brothers, aged 41 and 40, and a 36-year-old cousin had gone kayaking on the River Tyne near Hexham.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Formal identification on the three bodies is still to take place. However, it’s believed they are the bodies of the three missing kayakers.

“Enquiries will continue into the circumstances leading to the deaths and a report will be prepared for the coroner.”

The police were joined in the search by Coastguard officers and a Sea King search and rescue helicopter from RAF Boulmer in Northumberland.