Body found in search for boy missing at beauty spot

A body has been found in the search for a 17-year-old boy who went missing after swimming in a lake at a beauty spot.

Specialist boat units from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service had been searching Pickmere Lake, between Knutsford and Northwich, from about 16:50 BST on Tuesday.

A body was later recovered from the lake - and while formal identification has not yet taken place, it is believed to be that of the missing boy. His family has been informed and is being supported by specially trained officers.

"This was a young boy who had his entire life ahead of him," Ch Insp Jamie Lewis said. "Our thoughts remain with the boy's family, friends and everyone who knew him."

The incident follows a period of record-breaking heat across parts of the UK, with several water-related deaths reported as a result, including a 12-year-old boy whose body was found in the River Ribble, Ribchester, Lancashire.

There was a police presence at Pickmere Lake earlier - where officers carried out extensive searches of the area on Tuesday evening after reports the boy had gone missing after entering the water that afternoon.

Along with a police helicopter, rescue boats and water rescue crews from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) aided in the search.

After scaling back its resources at 22:45 on Tuesday, CFRS confirmed earlier it was no longer in attendance at the incident and had handed over to Cheshire Police.

In all, at least five youngsters and a man in his 60s have died in water-related incidents during the heatwave in England.

Lewis said: "Over the Bank Holiday weekend, we have sadly seen the very real dangers of swimming in open water.

"We understand that with the warm weather many people could be tempted to take a dip in open water but there can be hidden currents and unseen dangers such as mud banks or items under the water that a swimmer can become caught on.

"Residents must be aware of the potential deadly consequences.

"Don't be tempted to put your life at risk by cooling off in open water."

Lewis also said he would like to remind those visiting Pickmere Lake to park "safely and responsibly".

This comes after people living near the lake told BBC Radio Manchester they "could not get in or out" of their houses over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Lewis maintained emergency response had not been affected during this incident.

He added: "While inconsiderate parking did not hinder the emergency response on this occasion, in incidents such as this, emergency services require immediate access, and poorly parked vehicles could significantly delay our ability to respond."