Sunderland and Hartlepool lifeboats launched after reports of bodies being sighted

The Hartlepool crew is currently assisting the Coastguard with searching an area of sea off Horden Point.

A spokesman said: "The initial call was at 17.16 and we launched at 17.40."

Both of Sunderland RNLI's lifeboats have helped with a search of the Wear this evening, but nothing was found.

Spokesman Paul Nicholson said a call had been received around 4.15pm: "There was a report from a member of the public who had spotted what they believed to possibly be a person in the water in the vicinity of Pann's Bank.

"A full search was carried out with our two RNLI lifeboats, Coastguards teams on the shore and the police helicopter for the best part of two hours but nothing was found

"The Coastguard were happy that had there been someone there, they would have been found."

Although the report had proved to be a false alarm, Mr Nicholson said it was always better to be safe than sorry.

"We would like to thank the member of the public for making the initial call," he said.

"Anybody who is in any doubt that an emergency service is required in the water should dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard simmediately.

"Do not hesitate."