THE BODY of a middle-aged man was retrieved from the river bed by firefighters earlier this afternoon, it has been revealed.

Fire crews from Caversham Road and Dee Road were sent to Aldermaston Wharf at around 2pm on Monday.

Watch manager Craig Rogers from Caversham Road Station said: "We pulled a body from the river this afternoon, but there was no opportunity to save his life.

"It was a middle-aged man. Dee Road and Mortimer Stations went out with us and police and ambulance were also called.

"We used dry suits in order to recover the body from the bottom of the river."

Thames Valley Police has been approached for comment.

More to follow.