Family's tribute to river plunge victim

RELATIVES of a man who died trying to rescue his dogs after they fell through ice into the River Tees yesterday paid tribute to a "much-loved" brother and uncle.

John Butterfield, 51, of Portrack, Teesside, was walking his pets on Sunday when they strayed on to the frozen river and he was dragged under the ice. His niece, Christina Whitfield, and brother Gerry said: "We would urge people to stay off the ice to stop this tragedy happening again."