Humberside Police appeal after teenager drowns at Ashby Ville nature reserve

• East Midlands Ambulance Service was at the scene in North Lincolnshire

Humberside Police are appealing for witnesses after a 14-year-old boy drowned at Ashby Ville Nature Reserve yesterday.

Emergency Services were called to the body of water in Scunthorpe on Tuesday afternoon after the teenager got into difficulty whilst swimming at the nature reserve, the boy's body was later found by police divers.

The news follows a spate of drownings in the Calendar region during the recent hot weather.

Flowers have been left at the side of the water today in tribute to the boy, who has been named as Kai Gardner-Pugh, police have said his family is being supported by trained officers.

Police are calling for anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward and speak to them - they are particularly looking for a man who is believed to have seen what happened, he is described as wearing a black polo shirt with grey denim shorts, and is reported to have white hair and a beard.

Detective Chief Inspector Grant Taylor said: "Our thoughts are with the boy’s family and loved ones at this very sad and difficult time. 

"They are being supported by our specialist trained officers, as they come to terms with the tragic incident.

"The local neighbourhood police team will continue to support and speak to residents in the area and I encourage people to talk to them if they have any concerns."

Darren Bembridge, who fishes at the reserve, said that the area around the water is treated like a beach and that people need to be educated.

"At the weekend it was full with people, there was barbecuing, drinking, people in the water. It's a very sandy beach-type area and they treat it like Cleethorpes."