TRAGIC DISCOVERY
Body found in major search for boy, 16, last seen swimming in reservoir in ‘desperately tragic event’
Emergency services spent hours scouring the water
A BODY has been found after a teenage boy went missing in a reservoir.
Emergency services rushed to Netherton reservoir near Dudley, West Midlands, at around 6.30pm on Tuesday.
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Specialist search teams had been working with West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service and West Midlands Ambulance Service at the scene.
But police confirmed today that a body was recovered from the water at 11.30am.
Dudley Commander, Chief Superintendent Anthony Tagg said: “This is a desperately tragic event and our thoughts are with the boy’s family and friends.
"Equally this has affected the wider community who have been extremely supportive.
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"We will have extra officers in the area during the coming days and we would urge anyone with concerns to talk to us."
A West Midlands Police statement added: "Following a search of Netherton reservoir the body of a teenage boy has been recovered from the water.
"Emergency services have worked tirelessly searching for the 16-year-old since yesterday afternoon, after he got into difficulties just after 6pm. Sadly he was found shortly before 11.30am today.
"A formal identification will take place in due course.
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"We have specialist officers supporting family members at this extremely difficult time."
Highbridge Road near the reservoir has been closed and police have asked people to avoid the area.
James Williams, assistant chief ambulance officer, added: "This is a truly tragic outcome, and we offer our heartfelt condolences to boy's family and friends.
"Our specialist water rescue hazardous area response team paramedics were immediately deployed into the water to join fellow emergency service colleagues in the search.
"Hart paramedics and an incident commander remained at the scene overnight and this morning with police, fire and specialist divers to continue the search.
"Sadly, the teenage boy was found by the dive team and was confirmed dead by paramedics at the scene.
"We would like to thank the public and local community for their continued co-operation whilst emergency colleagues remain at the scene."
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