Body recovered from River Ribble in search for missing 12-year-old boy
A 12-year-old boy has died after getting into difficulty while swimming in the River Ribble at Ribchester, police have confirmed.
Emergency services were called at 2.06pm today following reports of concern for the safety of a boy who had entered the river with friends.
A large-scale search operation was launched involving officers from Lancashire Police’s underwater search unit, alongside crews from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service. North West Ambulance Service also provided support.
Police said that a body was recovered from the river at around 7.50pm.
While formal identification has not yet taken place, officers believe the body to be that of the missing boy.
Specially trained family liaison officers are supporting the child’s family.
Lancashire Police said: “Our thoughts are very much with his loved ones at this extremely distressing time.”
The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be passed to HM Coroner in due course.