POLICE are warning thrill-seekers not to take to rain-swollen rivers in the region after a group of the country’s leading slalom canoeists had to be rescued.

Officers criticised the group of six canoeists, who got into severe difficulties in the River Tees near Winston, County Durham, at about 3pm on Saturday.

They began to struggle in the flooded conditions, and a canoe containing three members of the group, aged 27, 19 and 15, capsized.

It is believed one canoeist managed to get out of the river and call 999.

Passers-by watched as police, fire and ambulance crews arrived at the scene.

A police helicopter was alerted, and eventually located the three canoeists a mile downstream in Gainford. Two of the canoes were lost in the drama.

The six slalom canoeists are among the top 20 in the country. Members of the group came from Darlington, Billingham, Seaham, Kent and Oxford.

Acting Sergeant Peter Moore, from Barnard Castle police, said: “It appeared some canoeists had got into difficulties and were swept downstream after their craft overturned.

“We have spoken to the canoeists and, although they might claim they were very experienced, they were unable to cope with what the river had to offer and were fortunate to escape unscathed.

“No matter how experienced they feel they are, in the present conditions they are putting not only themselves, but members of the public and members of the emergency services’ lives at risk.”

Russ Smith, a former British and World canoe slalom champion who is now manager of Teesside White Water Course, said: “Judging by the great volume of water that is around the country at the moment, my advice would be for any paddlers to be very, very careful on the rivers and try to seek local, expert advice if you are unsure.”