Police say that a group of people had been involved in an altercation on the bridge and that a man ‘entered the water’ on Friday night
13:50, 11 Apr 2026Updated 13:54, 11 Apr 2026
the Redheugh Bridge.(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
A woman has been arrested as police teams search for a man who reportedly “entered” the River Tyne following a disturbance on Redheugh Bridge. An investigation has been launched after the incident in Gateshead last night.
Police say that a group of people had been involved in an altercation on the bridge and that a man “entered the water” shortly before 10pm. Emergency services attended the scene and a 48-year-old-woman was arrested in connection with the incident – she remains in police custody.
Northumbria Police’s Marine Unit, alongside specialist search teams from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, are carrying out extensive searches in the area in an effort to locate the man who is believed to have entered the water. He has not yet been found.
The man’s next of kin have been informed and continue to receive support from officers. An investigation has since been launched by the force’s Major Investigation Team (MIT) and enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.
Officers are now appealing for anyone with information – particularly witnesses who were driving near to the area and may have dashcam footage – to get in touch. Detective Inspector Andy Miller said: “This is an incredibly tragic incident where for reasons yet to be established a man has sadly entered the water.
“While our investigation is very much in its early stages, we’re committed to understanding the full events of yesterday evening. This is an incredibly busy entry route to the city centre, and we know there was a lot of activity in the area at the time – including multiple vehicles passing.
“We’re keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed or captured the moments surrounding the incident, especially those who may have dashcam footage. If you have any information or were in the area at the time – please get in touch.”
Dt Insp Miller added: “No matter how insignificant you think your information might be, it could prove crucial to our ongoing investigation. Our search for the man we believe to have entered the water is very much ongoing and I would like to thank our officers and all partners from other emergency services who have taken part in search activity for their assistance.”
Anyone with information should contact Northumbria Police by sending a direct message on social media, or by using the live chat or ‘report’ form function on the force’s website. Those who can’t contact the force online should call 101 and quote reference number: NP-20260410-1079.