Search Underway for Missing Boy in River Irwell
A search is ongoing for a boy who was last seen struggling in the River Irwell at Clifton Country Park in Salford on Saturday afternoon.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) reported that officers were dispatched to the River Irwell just before 17:00 BST on Saturday following reports of a boy getting into difficulty in the water.
At the location, emergency responders found an abandoned towel, swimming trunks, and a beach mat on a sandy area where people had been swimming.
GMP confirmed that specialist search teams and emergency services remain at the scene as the incident continues. No further information regarding the boy’s identity or age has been released.
"Emergency services and specialist search teams remain at the scene. The incident is ongoing," a GMP spokesperson said.
Recent Water-Related Deaths Across the Country
The search for the missing boy comes amid a series of water-related fatalities and disappearances during this summer's hot weather.
On Sunday evening, the body of a woman in her 60s was recovered from water near Mill Street in Tottington, Bury, shortly after 20:00. Earlier on Saturday, a 15-year-old boy died at Cowbury Reservoir in Stalybridge, Tameside.
Additionally, police recovered the body of another 15-year-old boy who went missing after swimming at Testwood Lakes nature reserve near Totton in Hampshire on Saturday.
In the early hours of Friday morning, 22-year-old Brody Leach died after encountering difficulties in the River Severn.
Other recent fatalities include a man who died at a beach in Essex on Friday and a 50-year-old man pronounced dead on Wednesday at Aberavon beach after struggling while swimming off the south coast of Wales.
Police Safety Warnings
Authorities have issued warnings to the public, urging people not to be tempted to swim in reservoirs, rivers, canals, or ponds due to the inherent dangers.
Community Engagement
Residents are encouraged to share story ideas relevant to Greater Manchester. Listeners can tune into BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story submissions can also be sent via WhatsApp to 0808 100 2230.
