The body of a 29-year-old has been recovered by the emergency services after his car plunged into the sea near Souter Lighthouse in Whitburn over the weekend.

Northumbria Police received a report that a vehicle had gone into the sea near Souter Lighthouse shortly after 5.40am on Saturday (June 18).

Emergency services attended the scene, and a 29-year-old man was recovered from the vehicle by officers that were on the scene.

Police said they do not believe there was any third-party involvement in the incident and say the man's next of kin has been contacted.

Read more: Woman killed after being hit by car in Boosbeck

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "Shortly after 5.40am on Saturday (June 18) police received a report a vehicle had gone into the sea, near Souter Lighthouse.

"Officers and emergency services attended the scene and sadly the body of a 29-year-old man was recovered from the vehicle.

"The man’s next of kin have been contacted and are being supported by specialist officers at this time.

"There is not believed to be any third-party involvement and a report is being prepared for the coroner."

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054