The body of a missing boy has been pulled from a river after a frantic five-hour search, police have confirmed.
Emergency services raced to the River Dee in Handbridge, Chester on Thursday after reports of an incident amid the heatwave.
Cheshire Constabulary said they were first called to the scene at around 2:30pm.
A search for a "teenage boy" was then launched - before a tragic update was issued at around 11pm, reports CheshireLive.
A force statement said: "Police searching for a missing teenage boy in Chester have found a body.
"The 16-year-old was reported missing at around 2.30pm on Thursday 22 July after he disappeared while swimming in the River Dee.
Have you been affected by this incident? Email webnews@mirror.co.uk.
"Extensive searches have been taking place throughout the afternoon and into the evening.
"Search teams found a body in the river shortly before 8pm.
"Formal identification has not yet taken place but it is believed to be that of the missing boy.
"The teenager’s family have been informed and they are being supported by specially trained officers."
Superintendent Myra Ball added: "Sadly this is the second river death that we have seen this week in the county.
"This appears to be another tragic accident and our thoughts are with the boy’s family at this very difficult time.”
Eyewitnesses said they had "never seen so many emergency vehicles" when the search was launched.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to keep up to date with all the essential information at www.mirror.co.uk/email.
The fire service, paramedics and an air ambulance all attended the scene along with police.
Britain has been hit by a spate of water-related deaths in recent days amid the warm weather.
Charities and relevant authorities have issued warnings ahead of this weekend amid fears the grim toll could rise.
The Royal Life Saving Society UK said: "We are urging the public to please think before entering the water.
"If you aren't experienced in being in cold, open water then please stay out, unless supervised."
And Lee Heard, the charity's director, added: "Whilst we recognise how tempting it is to cool off in the UK's beautiful waterways, they hide hazards that tragically take lives each year and we urge the public to use caution when entering the water, getting acclimatised to the water temperature before jumping in.
"The difference between the air temperature and water temperature can literally take your breath away; this is called cold water shock. It is silent, invisible and deadly.
"Water can also hide debris, strong currents and sudden changes in depth that can catch out even the strongest swimmers.
"The Royal Life Saving Society UK urge everyone to learn vital skills and knowledge to prevent future accidental drownings."
