A stretch of a picturesque river bank was cordoned by emergency services while police responded to reports of a body in Stanhope.
And Durham Constabulary have now confirmed a man tragically died at the scene yesterday morning (November 17).
Officers found the body near the River Wear, in Stanhope, at around 6.30am - though the death is not thought to be suspicious and a report is being prepared for the coroner.
Read more: 'This is a wake-up call for Elswick': How Gordon Gault's knife death has already changed young lives
Paramedics sped to the scene with police yesterday morning, with a spokesman for North East Ambulance Service confirming three ambulances, one clinical team leader and one hazardous area response vehicle all in attendance.
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