Police have issued a warning after a 12-year-old girl drowned while cooling off in a river during the current heatwave.
Emergency services battled in vain to save the girl after being scrambled to the River Irwell in Bury, Manchester following reports of concern for a girl in the water on Thursday night.
The area was examined by underwater search teams, the MEN reports , and officers discovered the body of a 12-year-old girl.
The child's family are being supported by specially trained officers, Greater Manchester Police said.
The incident has prompted police to issue a public warning about the dangers of playing or swimming in open water.
Det Insp Andrew Naismith, of GMP’s Bury district, said: “This is an incredibly tragic incident in which a young girl has lost her life, and my thoughts are with her family at this devastating time.
“We have a team of detectives working on this, but there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances at this time.
“With the warmer weather, it’s tempting to go into the water to cool off, but I’d like to remind everyone of the dangers of playing near or swimming in rivers, lakes and reservoirs and would strongly urge against this.”
In a statement, police say: "A 12-year-old girl has sadly drowned in a river in Bury.
"At around 7.55pm on Thursday 27 June 2019, police were called to reports of a concern for the welfare of a young person last seen in the River Irwell close to Dunster Road in Bury.
"Emergency services quickly responded and underwater search teams were sent to examine the area.
"Sadly, officers discovered the body of a 12-year-old girl.
"Specially trained officers are supporting the child’s family at this difficult time."
Anyone with information should contact 0161 856 8172 quoting reference number 2154 of 27/06/19 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
