Hetton Lyons Country Park: Body of missing open water swimmer found

1 June 2023

A man has died after he went open water swimming in a park, police have said.

Search teams were called to Hetton Lyons Country Park, near Houghton-le-Spring, on Wednesday at 23:30 BST when the 55-year-old failed to return home.

The man's body was found after a major operation which involved a police helicopter and fire and rescue teams.

An investigation into what happened is ongoing and police officers remain in the area, a Northumbria Police spokesperson said.

The man's family is being supported by specialist officers.

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