The body of a missing teenager has been recovered from a reservoir. The 16-year-old boy was spotted struggling in the water at around 6pm last night (Tuesday 23 July).
A large-scale search was launched by West Midlands Police, ambulance service and the fire service. A specialist team was also called in from Lancashire while police divers went to Lodge Farm reservoir in Netherton to search for the boy.
But tragically, his body was found at around 11.30am this morning. Dudley’s commander, Chief Superintendent Anthony Tagg, described the incident as a “desperately tragic event”.
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He added that his thoughts were with the boy’s loved ones. “This is a desperately tragic event and our thoughts are with the boy’s family and friends,” he said.
“This has also had an impact on the wider community, who have been extremely supportive. We will have additional officers in the area over the coming days and would encourage anyone with concerns to speak to us.”
James Williams, Deputy Chief Ambulance Officer, added: “This is a truly tragic outcome and we offer our deepest sympathies to the patient’s family and friends. Our specialist water rescue and hazardous area paramedics were immediately deployed into the water to join their emergency service colleagues in the search.
“HART paramedics and an incident commander remained on scene throughout the night and this morning along with police, firefighters and specialist divers to continue the search. Sadly, the teenager was located by the dive team and confirmed deceased by paramedics on scene.
“We would like to thank the public and local community for their continued cooperation whilst emergency service colleagues remain on scene.”
