A MAN is in critical condition after being pulled from the River Tyne.

Michael John Kouache, 47, was pulled from the river near to Merchant's Wharf in Newcastle by police officers, who were called at 12.24pm on Friday, March 3.

Mr Kouache, of Rothbury Terrace, Heaton, in Newcastle, was taken to the Freeman Hospital for treatment. His condition has been described as critical and life threatening.

Police are making enquiries to establish how he came to be found in the river and also whereabouts on the bankside he was when he entered the water.

Mr Kouache is described as a white man, slim build, with an untidy appearance, inch long beard with hints of red, dark brown hair in a ponytail. He was found wearing a plain black waterproof jacket, blue jeans, brown walking boots/trainers also wearing a bum bag .

Acting Sergeant Steve Fairless, said: "We're appealing for help from the public to enable us to piece together how Michael came to be found floating in the River Tyne on Friday.

"We want to hear from anyone who saw or spoke to Michael from the evening of Thursday, March 2, up until we found him on Friday.

"We understand from his family that Michael was a quiet man, who kept himself to himself and could be described as reclusive."

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting reference number 432 of 03/03/17