Body found in search for missing boy, 16, who got into trouble in reservoir

Dudley reservoir

Body found in search for missing boy, 16, who got into trouble in reservoir

PA
Oliver Trapnell

By Oliver Trapnell


Published: 24/07/2024

- 14:16

Updated: 24/07/2024

- 15:02

Extra officers have been deployed to the area

A 16-year-old boy has died after being recovered from a reservoir in Dudley, West Midlands Police have said.

Emergency services had been searching for the teenager at Netherton reservoir after he got into difficulties just after 6pm on Tuesday night.


He was found shortly before 11.30am today.

Dudley Commander, Chief Superintendent Anthony Tagg said: “This is a desperately tragic event and our thoughts are with the boy’s family and friends.

Dudley reservoirBody found in search for missing boy, 16, who got into trouble in reservoirPA

“Equally this has affected the wider community who have been extremely supportive.

“We will have extra officers in the area during the coming days and we would urge anyone with concerns to talk to us.”

Specialist search teams had been working with West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service and West Midlands Ambulance Service.

James Williams, assistant chief ambulance officer, said: “This is a truly tragic outcome, and we offer our heartfelt condolences to the boy’s family and friends.

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Police at scene where body was found in reservoir

Police at scene where body was found in reservoir

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Netherton reservoir

Specialist search teams had been working with West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service and West Midlands Ambulance Service

PA

“Our specialist water rescue hazardous area response team paramedics were immediately deployed into the water to join fellow emergency service colleagues in the search.

“Hart paramedics and an incident commander remained at the scene overnight and this morning with police, fire and specialist divers to continue the search.

“Sadly, the teenage boy was found by the dive team and was confirmed dead by paramedics at the scene.

“We would like to thank the public and local community for their continued co-operation whilst emergency colleagues remain at the scene.”

Police vehicle in Dudley

The boy was confirmed dead by paramedics at the scene

PA

The discovery of the body comes after a man and his dog were rescued in Lancashire after being cut off by incoming tides.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) was called shortly after 11am on Monday and found the man treading water off Fleetwood Beach.

Volunteer Daryl Randles said: “Had the gentleman not called us when he did things would have had a very different outcome.

“It just goes to show why we always recommend carrying a means of reaching help with you, and if you find yourself in trouble call 999 and ask for the coastguard.”

The RNLI later put out a wider reminder that tides in the area can move at a speed of up to a foot in depth every five minutes.

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