Photographs released of three kayakers found dead in River Tyne

 
Brothers: Darren (left) and Mark Thorpe (Picture: PA)

Photographs of three kayakers discovered dead in a river have been released by their families.

Brothers Darren and Mark Thorpe, alongside their cousin Gavin Bradley, did not return home on Sunday after a day out on the River Tyne near Hexham, Northumberland.

Darren, 41, and Mark, 39, were from South Shields, South Tyneside, while Mr Bradley came from Jarrow.

Gavin Bradley: a photograph of Mr Bradley with his wife Louise and children (Picture: PA)

The photo of Mr Bradley shows him with his wife Louise and children children Molly and Gracie, apparently on holiday with a sunset behind.

The photographs have been released without any statement from the families. They have asked not to be approached by the media.

It is believed the three men had planned their trip and knew the river well, but encountered challenging conditions after heavy rainfall.

The emergency services were alerted at around 11pm on Sunday and a major operation was launched involving police, fire crews, the coastguard, the RAF and search specialists.

The bodies were found at different locations in the river on Monday. Northumbria Police said their investigation would continue and a report would be prepared for the coroner.

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