Three dead in water incidents on hottest day of the year

Two teenagers were among those to die

Emergency services at the scene of the incident at Salford Quays on Sunday July 18 (BBC North West)

Three people have died after being pulled from the water by the emergency services on the hottest day of the year so far.

Teenagers died in Greater Manchester and Oxfordshire on Sunday, along with a man in his 50s in North Yorkshire.

Temperatures soared to over 30C in parts of the country, prompting warnings from the Met Office, but the hot weather also led many to head to the water in an attempt to cool down.

Greater Manchester Police were called to Salford Quays at around 4.40pm on Sunday following concern for a person in the water.

A joint rescue operation involving police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and North West Ambulance Service was launched and the public were urged to stay away from the area.

Sadly, despite a rescue operation at Salford Quays this evening, a 19-year-old man has lost his life. Our thoughts are with this young man's family and friends, and the people who witnessed the tragic events. We will provide further updates when we have them. pic.twitter.com/fvjtnRopor

— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) July 18, 2021

However, officers later announced a body had been recovered as part of the operation.

“Sadly, despite a rescue operation at Salford Quays this evening, a 19-year-old man has lost his life,” GMP said in a statement.

“Our thoughts are with this young man's family and friends, and the people who witnessed the tragic events.”

Detective Inspector Helen Bagnall, of GMP’s Trafford district, said sadly the incident at Salford Quays proved how dangerous going into unfamiliar water could be.

North Yorkshire Police tweeted: “Sadly, the body of a man in his 50s was recovered from the River Ouse, close to the Water End Bridge in York this evening. Officers attended the scene, along with the fire and ambulance services, after being contacted by kayakers shortly before 5pm.

“While formal identification is yet to take place, we believe we know the identity of the deceased but are awaiting confirmation. His next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this very sad time.”

Further south in Witney, near Oxford, Thames Valley Police (TVP) said a teenage girl had been rescued from the water and taken to hospital, where she later died.

“As you might be aware, our officers attended Ducklington Lake, in Witney at 2.35pm today (18/7) after a fear for welfare report concerning a teenage girl in the water,” TVP West Oxon tweeted.

“The girl’s family have been informed, and are being closely supported by specially trained officers. The death is being treated as unexplained and non-suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.

“We are very sorry to bring you this tragic news. Our thoughts are with the girl’s family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time,” the force said.

Cumbria Police said the body of a teenage boy was found in the River Eden, near Stony Holme, at around 11.45am on Sunday, after he entered the water at around 9pm on Saturday.