Body of boy, 12, found in River Ribble after getting into difficulty swimming

A large-scale search was launched after the boy got into difficulty while swimming with friends in the River Ribble in Lancashire on Tuesday afternoon, with police saying there are no suspicious circumstances

The body of a child has been retrieved from the River Ribble in Lancashire.

Lancashire Police have stated that the body is thought to be that of a 12 year old lad who encountered difficulties while swimming with mates in the river at Ribchester on Tuesday afternoon.

Emergency services were summoned to the village in the Ribble Valley just after 2pm following reports expressing concern for a child’s welfare. A large-scale search was initiated, involving Lancashire Police’s underwater search team and crews from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service. The North West Ambulance Service also responded to the incident.

Lancashire Police confirmed that a child’s body was recovered around 7.50pm. While formal identification is yet to be carried out, officers believe it to be the missing lad.

The death is not being considered suspicious and a report will be forwarded to HM Coroner in due course. The boy’s family is receiving support from specially trained officers.

The force expressed: “Our thoughts are very much with his loved ones at this extremely distressing time.”

Earlier photos from the scene depicted the road next to the river cordoned off as emergency teams searched the water.