Police find 16-year-old boy's body after he disappeared while swimming in reservoir during heatwave

A body has been found in the search for a 16-year-old boy who got into trouble in a reservoir in Dudley on Tuesday evening, West Midlands Police said. 

Emergency services scrambled to Netherton Reservoir, in Netherton near Dudley, around 6pm on Tuesday night after receiving calls about a boy in the water.

The tragic discovery in the large body of water - commonly known as Lodge Farm Reservoir - was made at around 11.30am this morning, more than 17 hours after the boy went missing.

A West Midlands Police spokesman said: '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.

'We have specialist officers supporting family members at this extremely difficult time.'

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.

'We will have extra officers in the area during the coming days and we would urge anyone with concerns to talk to us.'

Eyewitnesses described a huge police presence in the area, with 'five or six police cars, at least two fire engines and an incident response unit'.

A search helicopter was also seen circulating over the body of water in the West Midlands.

Specialist search were dispatched to look for the teenager in the early hours of this morning, with members of the community offering support to the boy's family.

The public was asked to avoid the area and Highbridge Road remained shut as the search continued.

James Williams, Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer with West Midlands Ambulance Service, said: 'This is a truly tragic outcome, and we offer our heartfelt condolences to patient'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 cooperation whilst emergency colleagues remain at the scene.'

West Midlands Fire Service Area Manager Marc Hudson said: 'Whatever the circumstances surrounding the boy's disappearance, this incident is a stark reminder of the dangers of open water - especially as the summer holidays get underway.

'We are asking everyone to take extra care near reservoirs, lakes, rivers and canals.

'Although the water might appear tempting and safe, it can be extremely cold.

'The currents are often too strong for even the best swimmers, and there can be hidden objects and dangers below the surface.'

The fire service said they were called at 6.16pm and crews arrived at the scene three minutes after being mobilised.

The service said resources included fire engines, 4×4 brigade response vehicles, water rescue specialists, an aerial drone and boats and equipment from their Technical Rescue Unit.

Cat Eccles, Labour MP for Stourbridge, said on social media: 'My thoughts go out to the boy's family and friends following this tragic incident.

'I'd like to thank members of the community who came out to support the search, including the Dudley Sub Aqua club and paddle boarders from the Water Sports club.'

Anyone with information is urged to get in touch with the police force quoting  4138 of 23 July.