Man found dead after Yorkshire river search

A man has died after apparently going on to a river in an inflatable dinghy.

A search involving police, a mountain rescue team and a helicopter was launched this morning after a 35-year-old man was reported missing from his home in Brompton-on-Swale, near Richmond, in North Yorkshire.

A body was found at about 9am.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "The 35-year-old male had been reported as being missing from his home address after his partner had awoke to find him missing from the address and believed he left to go on to the River Swale in a yellow inflatable dinghy."

He said this was at 4.50am. A search of the river downstream from the man's home was launched involving the Swaledale Mountain Rescue team and the West Yorkshire Police helicopter, as well as local officers.

The spokesman said: "Just after 9am this morning a man's body was found on the river bank, believed to be that of the missing male."

He said the inflatable boat has not been found and asked for the public to keep a look-out.

Acting Inspector Neil Northend urged anyone with information about the incident to call the police.

He said: "Our support and thoughts go out to the family and friends during this difficult time."

PA