Police have confirmed a 13-year-old boy died after playing in the River Calder at Brighouse today.
The boy's body was found after hours of urgent searching by specialist police and fire service teams, YorkshireLive reports.
He was playing with friends in the river near Armytage Road but he got into difficulty.
Police were called at 2.38pm and were joined at the scene by firefighters, paramedics and an air ambulance.
Chief Superintendent Sarah Baker, District Commander of Calderdale Police, said: “We are continuing our enquiries with partners.
"Whilst investigations into what took place are at an early stage, indications are that this is a tragic incident in which a teenage boy has lost his life.
“Specially trained officers are working to support the victim’s family at this devastating time, and our thoughts are with them.
“I would ask anyone who saw what happened and who may have not yet spoken with authorities, to contact Calderdale CID on 101 referencing police log 989 of June 1st.”
A witness who works at a company on Huntingdon Road, where most of the rescue vehicles were parked, said he saw up to 50 children and young teenagers playing in the river and jumping off the bridge at the end of Huntingdon Road.
As he and his colleagues left work they saw dozens of young teenagers gathered outside the police cordon.
"Some were wet and were being escorted from the river by police and congregated at the junction with Armytage Road," he recalled.
"Some were with parents and I saw police family liaison officers at the scene. Some of the teens were in tears.
"The mood appeared to be very sombre and subdued."
