Body found in Lancashire river in search of boy, 12, who went swimming with friends

A major search was carried out before a body was recovered by rescue crews

The body of a 12-year-old boy has been found in a Lancashire river after swimming with friends. A major search was carried out of the River Ribble on Tuesday (May 26) after the boy was reported as missing.

Fire crews, police and paramedics, along with underwater search teams, scoured the river in the Ribchester area throughout the evening after the alarm was raised shortly after 2pm. An air ambulance was also called to the scene.

A body was then recovered hours later, at around 7.50pm. Lancashire Police say it is believed to be that of the missing boy, with formal identification still due to take place.

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The death is not being treated as suspicious. The family of the young boy is being supported by specialist officers, Lancashire Police added.

A force spokesperson said: “At 2.06pm today (26th May) Lancashire Police received a report of a concern for safety after a boy had gone into the River Ribble at Ribchester. The boy, aged 12, had got into difficulty while swimming with friends in the river.

“A large-scale search involving officers from Lancashire Police’s underwater search unit and colleagues from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service was launched, with colleagues from North-West Ambulance Service providing support.

“Very sadly, a body was recovered from the river around 7.50pm. While formal identification has not yet taken place, we believe it to be the body of the missing boy.

“His family are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers, and our thoughts are very much with his loved ones at this extremely distressing time. The death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be passed in due course to HM Coroner.”