A BODY has been found in the search for a missing teenage boy who disappeared after entering a lake.
The 16-year-old had gotten into difficulty whilst swimming in the water at Colwick Country Park in Nottingham late on Wednesday afternoon.
A body has been found in the search for a 16-year-old boy who went missing after entering a lake[/caption]
Emergency services rushed to the scene at around 5.20pm, and later a multi-agency rescue involving a police underwater search team scoured the lake for the boy.
Tragically, they discovered a body shortly before 8pm, Nottinghamshire Police said.
The teenager’s family have been informed of the development and are now being supported by specially-trained officers following the tragedy.
Chief Inspector David Mather, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Emergency services have sadly recovered the body of a teenage boy from the lake, despite the best efforts of rescue teams.
“This is a tragic discovery and our thoughts are with this boy’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
“While work is now underway to understand how the boy came into difficulty, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight this case as a reminder of the devastating consequences of entering open water – regardless of whether people do so deliberately or inadvertently.”
Ch Insp Mather added: “As in this tragic case, open water can have hidden dangers that can prove fatal and I would urge anyone who spends any time on or near open water to use this case as a devastating reminder of that – particularly during the recent warm weather we have been experiencing.”
The teenager’s death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will now be prepared for the Coroner.
A cordon had been set up at the lake yesterday as four fire engines, four police cars, and four ambulances attended the scene, Nottinghamshire Live reports.
Group Manager Tom Staples, of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, said the teenager tragically died “despite the tireless efforts of all the emergency services involved.”
He said the service was “deeply saddened” to confirm the recovery of a body, adding it sent its “heartfelt condolences” to the boy’s family and friends.
Tom continued: “This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers of open water.
“We urge everyone to take care around lakes, rivers, and other natural bodies of water.”
“Safety information and guidance are available on our website, and we encourage the public to familiarise themselves with it to help prevent future tragedies.”
Councillor Sam Lux, Nottingham City Council’s Executive Member for Carbon Reduction, Leisure and Culture, added: “This is an absolutely tragic incident and our hearts go out to the family and friends of the young person who has sadly died.
“We will be working with Notts Police and Notts Fire and Rescue Service to understand the full circumstances of what happened but we join with them in highlighting the extreme dangers that open water such as lakes, rivers, quarries or canals can present.
“As the current warm spell continues and as we approach the summer season we urge people to follow the guidance at Colwick park and other sites and not enter the water unless as part of properly supervised open water swimming sessions.”
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
The teenager’s death is not being treated as suspicious[/caption]