Body of missing boy, 13, found in swollen river
THE body of a missing schoolboy was recovered from a river yesterday just hours after his mother made a heartfelt appeal for help.
John James Ritchie-Wilson disappeared from his home on Sunday sparking a mammoth manhunt involving family, friends, neighbours and the emergency services.
It is understood the 13-year-old was alone when he made his way towards the River Wear in Bishop Auckland, Co Durham.
A passer-by reported seeing somebody plunging into the water from a viaduct.
Last night a post-mortem examination was due to take place but police said there is no suspicion of foul play.
John’s mother Jane, 30, is separated from his father but only last October married husband James.
Last night a family friend said the couple were devastated by the tragedy.
Before the discovery of her son’s body Jane, a sales assistant, posted a message on social media calling for anyone who may have seen her son to phone the police.
She wrote: “Please share, John James Ritchie-Wilson. 13 yr old, just under 5ft tall. Bring my boy home! Missing since yesterday, Bishop Auckland.
“Possibly seen near Toronto Bridge. If any of his friends know ANYTHING msg me or call the police. And jj if u see this, ur not in trouble just please come home!”
A search operation was launched on Sunday following reports that someone may have gone into the swollen river near the Toronto
Bridge, or Newton Cap Viaduct. Durham Police had urged people to stay away from the area for their own safety due to the rapid speed of the water following the large amount of rain which has fallen in the last few weeks.
A spokesman for the force said yesterday: “Sadly, the body of a teenager was found in the river on Monday morning.
“Formal identification has yet to take place, but it is believed to be the body of a 13-year-old boy.
“His family have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this tragic time. His death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”
He thanked mountain rescuers, firefighters, the Police Air Service and the Coastguard for their help.
THE Samaritans has scrapped its texting service after the charity said it was not a sensitive way to deal with the distressed and suicidal.
It said the service could not replace human contact through phone calls.
Chief executive Ruth Sutherland said: “We recently concluded that its limited format, in terms of length, means it isn’t the best way of communicating with someone who is looking for support.”
Each month 2,000 texted for help compared to 250,000 calls. An online chat service will start in April.