POLICE have confirmed a body found in the River Wear yesterday (Tuesday, September 9) was that of missing teenager Jordan Roberts.

The 17-year-old disappeared into the water close to Finchale Priory, near Durham City, at about 5pm on Monday evening.

A man who helped pull one of Jordan's brothers to safety was hailed a hero.

Police say that without the actions of the man, who has not been named, the family would have been mourning a double tragedy.

Jordan, from Sunderland, had been playing in the river with his two teenage brothers and the friend in his 20s when he and one brother got into difficulties, apparently overcome by the cold. 

The older man managed to pull Jordan’s brother out of the water and onto the riverbank.

The teenager was unconscious, but the man gave him CPR which – police say – saved his life. He was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham, where his condition is described as poorly, but stable.

A major search was launched for Jordan on Monday night and continued on Tuesday, involving the police, the fire brigade and a search and rescue team.

It was initially called off at about 9.30pm due to night falling, but resumed at daybreak and at around noon police confirmed a body had been found.

The teenager’s family, who were at Finchale Priory on Tuesday, have been kept informed of the progress of the investigation and are being supported by specially trained police officers.

Superintendent Andy Huddleston, who is leading the investigation for Durham Police, said: “Without the man’s actions I’m confident he (Jordan’s brother) would have died.

“He has performed a truly remarkable and heroic act.

“Sadly, he wasn’t able to save Jordan. It would have been impossible for him to do so.

“He’s done amazingly well to pull Jordan’s brother out of the river. It’s an absolutely tragic incident.”

Jordan’s death is the latest in a string of tragic incidents along the River Wear, following the death of eight-year-old Ian Bell at Sunnybrow, 16-year-old Colin Dodds near Bishop Auckland and Tonibeth Purvis, 15, and Chloe Fowler, 14, at Fatfield.

Supt Huddleston said: “We have always known that people need to be careful by the river.

“The water is still cold and you can easily be overcome.”

The search for Jordan involved all three emergency services, a police helicopter, volunteers from the Teesdale and Weardale Search and Rescue Team, firefighters trained in water searches, the police dog section and an underwater diving team.

Finchale Priory is a popular spot for holidaymakers staying in the nearby caravan site and families visiting the ruins.

Holidaymakers reported hearing screams as the incident unfolded on Monday.