12-year-old boy found dead after River Ribble drowning

A 12-year-old boy has died after getting into difficulty while swimming in the River Ribble at Ribchester, Lancashire. Police confirmed a body was recovered from the river on Tuesday evening following a major search operation.

Emergency services were called shortly after 2 p.m. on Tuesday following reports of concern for the boy's safety after he entered the water with friends. A large-scale search was launched involving Lancashire Police's underwater search unit, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, and the North West Ambulance Service. A body was recovered from the river at approximately 7:50 p.m. Although formal identification has not yet taken place, police said they believe it to be the body of the missing boy. The death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.

Specially trained family liaison officers are supporting the child's family. In a statement, Lancashire Police said their thoughts are very much with his loved ones at this extremely distressing time.

The incident is part of a tragic series of recent open water fatalities across England during a period of hot weather. On Sunday, the body of 15-year-old Declan Sawyer was found...