Body recovered from River Ribble after boy goes missing

A tragic incident unfolded in Ribchester after a 12-year-old boy went missing in the River Ribble.

Lancashire Police received a report at 2.06pm on 26th May expressing concern for the boy's safety after he encountered difficulties while swimming with friends.

Emergency services launched a large-scale search, with officers from Lancashire Police’s underwater search unit and personnel from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service involved.

Support was provided by the North-West Ambulance Service during the search operation.

At approximately 7.50pm, the body of the boy was recovered from the river.

Although formal identification has yet to occur, authorities believe it is the missing boy.

Family liaison officers are offering support to his family during this distressing time.

The incident is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be forwarded to HM Coroner in due course.

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