A 16-year-old boy is believed to have drowned while playing in a river with friends on one of the hottest days of the year.
Jack Pullen was in the river Etherow when he got into difficulty on Tuesday afternoon.
Greater Manchester police (GMP) said they had recovered the body of the Longdendale high school pupil from the river in the village of Broadbottom, Tameside, shortly before 5.45pm.
Officers said that while the river appeared shallow and calm there might have been strong undercurrents and hidden hazards beneath the surface.
Greater Manchester police are investigating reports that the youngster became trapped between a bridge and a log.
Throughout the morning heartbroken family members and friends paid tribute to Pullen, who recently completed his final year at school.
Flowers were placed near the scene with one message saying: “Jack I hope you rest in peace mate. Sleep tight xxx.”
Friends also posted comments on social media. Bethany Roters posted a photograph shortly after his death with the message: “Rip to one of my gorgeous best friends!! Can’t believe your (sic) gone I’ll never come to terms with This!!
“You always cheered me up and put a smile on my face. I am gutted it doesn’t seem real. Can’t believe we spoke this morning and now this happened just can’t stop crying. I’ll never forget you. Love you so much Jack Pullen.”
This morning she posted: “My angel. Love you loads babe!!”
Lizzie Dawn posted: “Gone far to soon such a sad time for everyone who knows Jack. I can’t imagine how the family are feeling. My heart goes out to them all he was a sweet and caring young lad. “RIP Jack Pullen.”
Jake Arrowsmith posted on Facebook: “RIP Jack Pullen. So sad what happened. It’s not fair that you have been taken away from your loved ones and your life.”
Another friend wrote: “This is so surreal! I love you lots mate, rest in paradise.”
Police helicopters were spotted above the scene near Broadbottom Road, about three miles east of Hyde, on Tuesday evening.
GMP officers and Derbyshire constabulary attended the scene along with the fire service and paramedics. GMP’s underwater search unit was also deployed.
DI Andy Sandiford said: “We have launched an investigation into this tragic incident, which appears to have begun with a group of friends playing in the river on a hot summer’s day.
“A team of detectives are investigating the incident and have concluded that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the boy’s death.
“The family of the boy are being supported by specially trained officers during this difficult time.”
No one else was taken to hospital. The coroner’s office confirmed an investigation is being held into his death and an inquest will be taking place.
