Ribchester: Body recovered from River Ribble after search for missing 12-year-old boy

The body found in the River Ribble is believed to be that of a missing child, police said.

Lancashire Police believe the body is that of a missing 12-year-old boy who got into trouble while swimming with friends on Tuesday.

Officers were called just after 2pm following reports of concerns for safety after a child went to the River Ribble in Ribchester.

Following an extensive search involving Lancashire Police’s underwater search unit and officers from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, a body was found in the river just before 8pm.

Police said the death is not being treated as suspicious.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: “At 2.06pm today we received a report of concerns for safety after a child went to the River Ribble in Ribchester.

“The 12-year-old boy had a hard time while swimming in the river with his friends.

“A large-scale search was launched involving officers from Lancashire Police’s underwater search unit and colleagues from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, with colleagues from the North-West Ambulance Service also providing support.

“Unfortunately, a body was pulled from the river around 19.50 in the evening. Although the official identity has not been determined yet, we think it belongs to the missing boy.

“His family is supported by specially trained family liaison officers and our thoughts are with his loved ones at this extremely distressing time.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious and the case will be passed to HM Coroner in due course.”