Body found in search for teenage swimmer in Testwood Lakes

Police searching for a 15-year-old boy who disappeared after swimming in the lake found a body.

Testwood Lakes nature reserve, near Totton, Hampshire, was evacuated after police marine units began searching on Wednesday afternoon.

The child’s family was informed and official identification was made. A file is being prepared for the coroner.

The incident occurred on a day when temperatures in Hampshire rose to 36°C due to a red extreme heat warning.

Police, including marine teams, are conducting comprehensive searches in the 150-decare nature conservation area.

In a statement, Testwood Lakes said it was “extremely concerning” to hear about the “serious incident”.

The reserve, owned by Southern Water and managed by the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, remains closed as people are urged to avoid the area.

This is the latest in a series of aquatic deaths that occur during summer’s hot weather.

Police found the body of 22-year-old Brody Leach, who had been stranded in the River Severn early on Friday morning.

A man died on a beach in Essex on Friday, while on Wednesday a 50-year-old man was pronounced dead at Aberavon beach on the south coast of Wales after he had difficulty swimming in the sea.

During the hot period in May, many people lost their lives, including a young girl in Warwickshire.

Meanwhile, up to 20 teenagers were rescued from rough seas off the Lancashire coast.

HM Coastguard said children were helped at Fleetwood on Friday evening after they encountered difficulties in rough seas “a significant distance from the sea wall”.