Boy (16) dies while swimming in canal with friends

Boy (16) dies while swimming in canal with friends

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Olice has issued repeated warnings about cooling off in open water after a teenage boy died swimming with friends in a channel.

The 16-year-old got into trouble and was last seen in the water at Salford Quays in Greater Manchester Saturday around 6:15 pm.

police, fire brigade and ambulance services were called and searched.

The body of a boy was later found and recovered overnight by specialized divers.

Police said that although formal identification has not yet taken place, the body of the missing 16-year-old is believed to be.

His family is kept informed and supported by specially trained agents.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said the investigation is continuing, but detectives from Swinton CID are confident at this stage that there are no suspicious circumstances, and a file is being prepared for the coroner.

Detective Inspector Joanne Johnston, of GMP, said: “Last night’s events are nothing short of devastating and my thoughts are with the friends and family of the young boy who lost his life in such dire circumstances.

“We are doing everything we can to support the boy’s family during this incredibly difficult time, and we are focused on making sure they get the answers they deserve about how this tragedy happened.

“Based on our investigations to date, we are very confident that there are no suspicious circumstances and that this is such a sad reminder of the dangers of entering open water regardless of the weather.”

As the record-breaking heat wave begins, GMP said people should not be tempted to cool off in reservoirs, rivers, canals or ponds.