Teenager in care feared drowned after day trip
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.AN INQUIRY is to be held after a 13-year-boy was feared dead yesterday when a group of youngsters from a children's home was left unsupervised at Blackpool, writes Jason Bennetto.
The boy was swept out to sea on Friday night after he and five other boys and a girl, all aged 15, went to play on a concrete ramp. They ignored safety chains and signs warning people to keep off.
Two of the boys were also swept off their feet as they tried to help the 13-year-old, but managed to scramble clear. A man dived into the sea in an attempt to reach him but was beaten back by the waves. A passer-by threw a lifebelt but this failed to reach the boy.
A search involving lifeboats and helicopters continued until 2am. A shore search resumed after dawn, only to be called off temporarily as the tide rose again.
Earlier, the teenagers had disobeyed two social workers who gave them permission only to go to the funfair unsupervised. They were on a day trip from a Rochdale residential home.
Rochdale's director of social services, Ian Davey, said: 'Everyone concerned is shocked . . . obviously I will be mounting a full investigation to see just how this accident happened.'
(Photograph omitted)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments