THE body of a 72 -year-old man from Durham has been recovered from the River Wear.

Police were called to Washington at 12.30pm on Thursday following reports of a man in the water.

Officers and other emergency services attended at Bonemill Lane, Fatfield in Washington near the Biddick Inn.

A man was recovered from the river and taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Police have identified the man but his name is not yet being revealed.

There is no suspected third party involvement and reports are being prepared for the coroner.