Family release photos of tragic kayakers

THE families of three kayakers found dead in a river in Northumberland after they got into difficulty have released photographs of their loved ones.

Gavin Bradley with his wife Louise, and children Molly (left) and Gracie. Picture: PA

Brothers Darren and Mark Thorpe and their cousin Gavin Bradley failed to return home on Sunday after a day out on the River Tyne near Hexham.

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

The photo issued by Mr Bradley’s family shows him with his wife Louise and 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.

The emergency services were alerted at around 11pm on Sunday and a major operation was launched involving police, fire crews, the coastguard, the RAF and search specialists.

The bodies were found at different locations in the river on Monday. Northumbria Police said their investigation would continue and a report would be prepared for the coroner.