Vigil held after boys' deaths in river tragedy

A vigil has been held after two boys died after getting into difficulty in the River Tyne.

David Radut, 14, and Aras Rudzianskas, 13, both from Newcastle, found themselves in trouble in the water at Ovingham, Northumberland, on Saturday.

David was pronounced dead at the scene and Aras was taken to hospital, where he died on Tuesday.

Vigil organiser and friend of the Radut family, Mirela Faitas, said the community wanted to show its support.

"We are a close community and we try to be helpful for David's family," Ms Faitas said.

"We know we can't do much for David, but we can help the family to feel we are together in this tragedy."

She added: "To show them solidarity and to feel like we are together with them in this, they are not alone. That's what we want to do."

The vigil took place in Newcastle on Thursday.

David and Aras were spotted in the river, close to Ovingham Bridge, at about 15:30 BST on Saturday.

David was found after an extensive search, but was pronounced dead at the scene.

Emergency crews rescued Aras and he was taken to hospital in a critical condition, where he died on Tuesday.

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