The River Tyne at Corbridge, where one of the bodies was found. Photo: Mike Quinn CC-BY-SA-2.0

Rescuers searching for three missing kayakers in Northumberland have found two bodies.

The three paddlers from the South Shields area of Tyneside were reported missing at 11pm yesterday after failing to return from a trip on the River Tyne.

Northumbria Police, Coastguard and a Sea King search and rescue helicopter from RAF Boulmer were involved in an overnight search for the men.

A police spokesperson said one of the missing men’s vehicles was found at Tyne Green, near Hexham Rowing Club shortly before 1.15am today. A second vehicle belonging to them was found at 4.10am at Wylam railway station.

Two kayaks were also recovered from the River Tyne by search teams.

The spokesperson said: “Just after 5.10am, a body was recovered from the river at Riding Mill by RAF Boulmer.

“A second body was recovered from the river by RAF Boulmer at just before 6.20am in the Corbridge area.

“Formal identification of both is yet to take place.”

Police said searches are continuing this morning.

Superintendent Steve Howes, from Northumberland area command, said: “Our searches of the area are continuing today with assistance from the HM Coastguard and RAF Boulmer.

“Anyone who sees anything or has any information they think would assist with our searches should contact us.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101, extension 69191, quoting log number 1271 11/05/14.