Specialist police divers are scouring the River Irwell at Clifton Country Park in Salford after a boy was reported to be in difficulty in the water on Saturday evening. The search operation resumed on Sunday morning, with officers deploying a drone and using the Tactical Aid Unit. A substantial area of the park has been sealed off.
Incident Details
Greater Manchester Police received a call at approximately 4:49pm on Saturday 27 June 2026 reporting a boy in difficulty in the River Irwell at Clifton Country Park. Emergency services and specialist search teams remain at the scene, and the incident is ongoing.
According to reports, the incident occurred near a stretch of sand close to a bridge spanning the river. A teenage boy entered the water alongside other youngsters. A teenage girl was dragged out of the water by friends; she is believed to be uninjured but shaken. Another boy who entered the water managed to escape on his own.
Search Operation
Pictures from the scene show police divers in the water and officers using a drone to aid the search. The Tactical Aid Unit is also present. The search area remains cordoned off as authorities continue their efforts.
A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson stated: "At around 4.49pm on Saturday 27 June 2026, we were called to reports of boy getting into difficulty in the River Irwell at Clifton Country Park. Emergency services and specialist search teams remain at the scene. The incident is ongoing."
