Hundreds of tributes have been paid to a 15-year-old girl who died while swimming at a local beauty spot.
Police surrounded Carr Mill Dam in St Helens at around 12.30pm today after receiving reports of a concern for the safety of a teenage girl. The 15-year-old had been swimming with friends in the lake when she got into distress in the water.
Paramedics, fire crews and an underwater search and rescue team also attended, with officers entering the water in attempts to find her. Despite their best efforts, the girl's body was recovered from the water.
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People across the region have been devastated by the girl's death which was described as "every parents' worst nightmare." Sharing tributes and messages of support on the ECHO's Facebook page, Steven Shanley said: "Heartbreaking. May she RIP. Condolences to all her family and friends. Thoughts with anyone who witnessed this tragedy and all the emergency services."
Catherine Owen said: "This is totally devastating news, I feel ill. My thoughts are with her family and the friends who she was swimming with. Please keep telling our babies how dangerous places are like this, my prayers are with the youngster."
Jane Roughley said: "Parents' worst nightmare. Absolutely heartbreaking. Thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. RIP young lady."
Amy Wake said: "Absolutely devastated for the young girl's family, my heart goes out to all her family and friends. It should never be said for someone so young but may she rest in peace."
Scott Chriscoli said: "My teenage daughter lives with her mum near the dam and this just sent chills up my spine to read. The poor girl's family must be heartbroken. My thoughts go out to them sincerely."
People who live near the scene said the lake is a popular attraction where a lot of people swim in the warm weather. One man said: "It's a resort basically, especially in nice weather. Boats race on the dam. It's like a local beauty spot."
The man, who saw a police helicopter flying overhead, described the news as "unbelievable". He said: "I just think it's very sad."
Another family said they headed straight to the lake after hearing the news this afternoon fearing it could be someone they knew.
Merseyside Police Chief Inspector for St Helens Paul Holden confirmed the news of the girl's death at the scene this evening. Chief Inspector Holden said: “It is with great sadness that we can confirm that the body of the teenage girl has been recovered from the water. Our sincere condolences go to her family and friends during this tragic time.
“I would appeal to anyone who was visiting Carr Mill Dam at around midday onwards to please get in touch so we can ascertain what happened and provide her family with answers.
St Helens Area Manager for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, Kevin Longshaw, said: “Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service mobilised four fire engines at 12.30pm to reports of a young person who had come into difficulty in the water at Carr Mill Dam.
"Firefighters in water kit entered the dam to search. They were assisted with an airborne drone and an underwater drone. Working jointly with our police and ambulance colleagues, we were able to establish the location of the young person and tragically were able to confirm that a body was recovered shortly after.
"Our thoughts are very much with the family and all those affected by this tragic incident.”
Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 466 of 1 June.
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