BRIDGE TRAGEDY

A WOMAN has died after falling from the Wearmouth Bridge into the River Wear.

Police, paramedics, Sunderland RNLI and Coastguard were called to help the woman, who was rescued unconscious from the water at North Dock.

She was given emergency medical help by lifeboat volunteers before being taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The Wearmouth Bridge was closed for a short time during the incident, which happened just before 1pm on Friday.

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: ?A 12.55pm, police received reports from the ambulance service of concerns for the welfare of a woman seen in the water near the Wearmouth Bridge in Sunderland.?

Ian Rowan, helmsman at Sunderland RNLI, said: ?Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the lady who sadly lost her life today despite the best efforts of all of the emergency services involved.?

Inquiries as to the woman?s identity are ongoing and a file has not yet been passed to the coroner?s office.