A man has sadly died after swimming in the sea in North Tyneside.

The devastating incident occurred at 5.33pm on Saturday July 26th when police received reports of a man getting into difficulty after he jumped into the water at the Quay in North Shields.

Emergency services attended and on police arrival the ambulance service was treating the man after he had been pulled from the water by members of the public.

The man, aged in his 40s, was taken to hospital for treatment where he was pronounced dead.

Northumbria Police Chief Superintendent Kay Blyth said: “We’re in the process of notifying friends and family and our thoughts are with them at this incredibly sad time.

“There’s not believed to be any third party involvement and a report will be prepared for the coroner, and a future inquest will establish exactly what happened in this incident.

“However, I’d like to reiterate previous advice about staying safe around water. We know during hot weather more people spend time at the beach, at rivers and lakes and it’s important they are aware of the dangers.

“Open water can be extremely deceiving with powerful currents and tides and possible obstructions under the surface which pose a risk, even to strong swimmers.

“Some of the region’s beaches are staffed by Royal National Lifeboat Institute Lifeguards with safe bathing areas clearly marked with flags on the beach, we’d encourage people who want to go into the sea to visit these areas.”