Search for Missing Teen in River Mersey officially Stood Down

The desperate search for a 14-year-old boy who went missing in the River Mersey has been officially stood down. Emergency services, including police, fire and rescue, the coastguard, and the RNLI, were called to Crosby Beach at approximately 7pm yesterday, following reports that the teenager had vanished while swimming with friends near the radar tower.

The call-out sparked a massive response from all emergency services, who remained in the area through the night and into this morning, July 1. The path leading to the radar tower was cordoned off, with police officers directing passers-by away from the search zone to allow rescue operations to proceed unhindered.

The incident began yesterday evening, Sunday, June 30, when emergency services received a report at around 7pm expressing concern for the safety of a 14-year-old boy. The teenager had been swimming in the River Mersey near the radar tower with a group of friends. While his friends managed to exit the water safely, they became separated from him and he has not been seen since.

As the search intensified, Crosby Beach near the radar tower was sealed off, with authorities urging people to avoid the area to facilitate the ongoing search efforts by the coastguard and the North West Ambulance Service.

Despite the extensive search efforts by multiple emergency services, the search was eventually called off this morning. The authorities have not yet provided further details on the outcome or the next steps in the investigation.

Our thoughts are with the boy's family and friends during this difficult time. The community remains hopeful for a positive resolution and continues to support the emergency services in their efforts.