Teenager drowns in reservoir

A TEENAGER has drowned in a reservoir in Rochdale.

The boy is reported to have got into difficulties in the water at Greenbooth Reservoir in the Norden area of the town.

According to reports from witnesses he was in the water swimming with friends at the time.

One witness said the teen's friends tried to help him in the water as they shouted at another group who were stood on the side of the reservoir to get help. The witness said others also dived in to try and rescue him.

The boy, understood to be a college student, is believed to be aged in his mid-teens but hasn't been named by police.

A major emergency services operation was launched after the alarm was raised at around 5.57pm yesterday.

The moorland beauty spot, part of the Naden Valley and owned by United Utilities, is popular with ramblers and dog walkers but does attract youngsters, especially in periods of hot weather. There have been water rescues and injuries at the reservoir before.

Underwater

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed firefighters were called to the reservoir after reports that a male had got into difficulties and was underwater.

The fire service said a number of specialist firefighters were sent to the scene alongside a mountain rescue team.

They included a technical rescue unit from Ashton fire station and a specialist water rescue unit based at Heywood fire station in Rochdale.

Paramedics from North West Ambulance Service were also called.

Detective Chief Inspector John Harris, of GMP's Rochdale Borough, said: "My sincerest condolences are with the boy's family at hearing this heart-wrenching news.

"We are working closely with our partners and witnesses to the incident to understand the circumstances."

Anyone with information should contact 101.