Teenage girl found dead in water at country park

A teenage girl has died at a country park in north Warwickshire.

Emergency services were called to Kingsbury Water Park, near Tamworth, shortly after 18:00 BST on Monday following concerns for the welfare of a girl in the water.

She was pronounced dead at the scene after her body was recovered at about 19:20, Warwickshire Police said on Facebook.

An investigation into the circumstances had begun, the force added, and people have been urged to avoid speculating about what happened.

"Over the coming days, we'll have officers in the area providing reassurance. So if you have any questions, please speak to them," police said.

The girl's next of kin had been informed and were being supported by specially-trained officers, the force added.

The site, which is home to 15 lakes and more than 600 acres of parkland, is run by Warwickshire County Council.

On the park's website, the authority said visitors must not enter the water at any time, which includes using kayaks, canoes, paddle boards and dinghies.

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service recently warned people about the dangers of the water for people who might be "tempted to cool off".

"Even on warm days, the water can still be very cold and cold water shock is highly dangerous," a spokesperson said in a social media post on Monday afternoon.

"We experience in increase in call-outs to water-related incidents in the summer months. Please help us to keep you safe and avoid entering bodies of water."

Kineret Kahana from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), said anyone who falls into water should try to float instead of swim.

"Our instinct may be to start swimming but a lot of the time our body is in shock, especially if you fall into very cold water, which is really dangerous," she told BBC Radio WM.

Kahana advised not to jump in after anyone who falls into water and to instead call 999 for help before throwing them a buoyancy device if one is available.

"It's a huge shock to the system," she added, "and even experienced swimmers might find they are in difficulty."

She also said people should not attempt to swim after drinking alcohol or taking any other substance "that might harm you if you are planning on going swimming".

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