Robert Hattersley: Family pays tribute to teenager who died in river during heatwave

The family of a 13-year-old who died after getting into difficulty while swimming in a Northumberland river have paid tribute to their “kind and loving” boy.

Emergency services carried out a search operation following reports that Robert Hattersley was missing.

He was later pronounced dead after his body was found in the River Tyne, near Ovingham, at around 4.15pm on Sunday.

In an emotional public statement, his family said he “will be missed by absolutely everyone who knew and loved him.”

They said: “It’s impossible to put into words the grief we feel – Robert was so kind and loving. We are absolutely devastated by what happened.

“He made so many people smile and will be missed by absolutely everyone who knew and loved him.

“We would like to thank all the emergency services who worked so hard to try to find Robert, and everyone who has been in touch to pass on their messages of condolence.”

It comes after a 16-year-old and a 50-year-old both died in Yorkshire while swimming during recent weeks' heatwave.

Health Secretary Steve Barclay has warned of “significant dangers” for people tempted to swim in a river to cool off.

Asked if people should go out and visit beaches, Mr Barclay told reporters that people should use “common sense” and follow the advice of public health experts.

This meant “hydrate, cover up, be in the shade, avoid times of the day when the heat is at its highest”.

He added: “There is a particular message, particularly for teenagers, children, some of those who may be tempted to go swimming – it carries significant dangers, quite often when people go swimming in rivers when it's very hot.

“So it’s about following common sense steps and keeping an eye out for neighbors and those who are vulnerable. And following the guidelines issued by the competent bodies.