The body of a 12-year-old boy has been recovered from the River Ribble in Lancashire after he went swimming with friends. A large-scale search was launched on Tuesday afternoon following reports that the child had got into difficulty in the water at Ribchester.
Emergency services, including fire crews, police, paramedics and underwater search teams, scoured the river after the alarm was raised at around 2.06pm. An air ambulance was also dispatched to the scene. The search continued into the evening, with the boy's body located at approximately 7.50pm.
Lancashire Police have said the body is believed to be that of the missing boy, although formal identification has yet to take place. The force confirmed that the death is not being treated as suspicious and that a file will be prepared for HM Coroner.
A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: "Very sadly, a body was recovered from the river around 7.50pm. While formal identification has not yet taken place, we believe it to be the body of the missing boy." They added that the boy's family are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers.
The incident has prompted tributes from the local community, as officers continue to investigate the circumstances. The boy's family have asked for privacy at this extremely distressing time.
