A POLICE helicopter was involved in a search operation near Bywell after an object was spotted floating in the River Tyne.

Emergency services attended the scene of the incident near Bywell, with Northumbria Police's Marine Unit and two swift water rescue teams from Northumberland Fire and Resuce Service also involved.

However, the teams involved did not manage to locate the object.

A spokeswoman for Northumbria Police said: "Shortly before 10am today (Thursday), police received a report that a member of the public had seen a large floating object in the river near Bywell Bridge.

"A search team was deployed, including the Marine Unit and the police helicopter.

"The call was made in good faith however, after an extensive search of the area and surrounding areas no object was found."