Photographs released of three kayakers found dead in River Tyne

Photographs of three kayakers discovered dead in a river have been released by their families.

Brothers Darren and Mark Thorpe, alongside their cousin Gavin Bradley, did not return home on Sunday after a day out on the River Tyne near Hexham, Northumberland.

Darren, 41, and Mark, 39, were from South Shields, South Tyneside, while Mr Bradley came from Jarrow.

The photo of Mr Bradley shows him with his wife Louise and children children Molly and Gracie, apparently on holiday with a sunset behind.

The photographs have been released without any statement from the families. They have asked not to be approached by the media.

It is believed the three men had planned their trip and knew the river well, but encountered challenging conditions after heavy rainfall.