Tragedy as body of missing swimmer recovered from River Ribble after 24 hour search
Police have discovered a body in the River Ribble following a 24-hour search for a missing swimmer.
The man’s body was recovered from the river near Ribchester shortly before 4pm yesterday (Monday, December 22).
A multi-agency rescue operation was launched after the man was last seen getting into difficulty while swimming in the river at around 1pm on Sunday.
HM Coastguard and Lancashire firefighters supported specialist police teams with the search.
Lancashire Police said the man’s death is not being treated as suspicious, and is believed to be a tragic accident. A file will be passed to HM Coroner in due course, said the force.
The man’s age has not been confirmed at this stage.
Police statement
A police spokesperson said: “Officers searching for a man last seen getting into difficulty in the River Ribble on Sunday, December 21 have found a body.
“Our officers were called to Ribchester Road, Dinckley, at 12.58pm after receiving concerns about the safety of a man last seen swimming in the river.
“A multi-agency rescue operation was stood up, with support from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, HM Coast Guard and specialist police search teams.
“Very sadly, just before 4pm yesterday (December 22) a man’s body was recovered from the river.
“Although formal identification has not yet taken place, we believe it to be the body of the missing man. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this very sad time.
“The man’s death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be passed onto HM Coroner in due course.”