Hepple Bridge

A multi-agency incident involving Northumbria Police, National Police Air Service HQ, Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, North of Tyne Mountain Rescue and ourselves was launched early on Sunday morning for a missing fisherman on the River Coquet.

Specially trained and equipped volunteer Mountain Rescue Team members capable of operating in flood and swiftwater situations, worked alongside Fire & Rescue colleagues to conduct hasty and detailed searches of River Coquet between Sharperton bridge and Caistron quarry. These specialist teams were assisted by two Mountain Rescue Search Dogs England teams and a Police cadaver dog. Other volunteer members were deployed to search areas further away from the river.

At midday one of our swiftwater search teams sadly located a body, which was later confirmed as the missing fisherman.

We would like to offer our condolences to the fisherman’s family and friends. Our thoughts are with you at this incredibly difficult time.

The incident involved 30 Team members for 7 hours 30 minutes.