A MAN survived after jumping from a bridge into an icy river in the early hours of yesterday.

Emergency crews located the man, who was wearing a lifebelt, clinging to a post underneath the Tyne Bridge.

It took 30 minutes before he was hauled from the icy water by fire crews, who had manned a rescue craft.

The 41-year-old, of North Tyneside, was treated on the jetty by paramedics before being taken to Newcastle General Hospital.

He was later transferred to Royal Victoria Infirmary, where he was treated for leg injuries and hypothermia.