Teenage footballer drowned in reservoir while swimming with friends on hottest day of the year

Paul Lawson Credit: Facebook.

Tributes have been paid to a talented teenage footballer who drowned in a reservoir where he was swimming with friends on the hottest day of the year.

Paul Lawson disappeared under the water shortly before 6pm yesterday at Greenbooth Reservoir, a moorland beauty spot outside Rochdale, Greater Manchester.

Paul played for local side Wardle FC and, in a statement, Rochdale Super League said: "We regret to inform our members of the tragic passing of Wardle V player,Paul Lawson.

"Paul played in the Rochdale Super League since 2015, and the news has come as a shock to all.

"We would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends affected by this tragedy and offer our full support to all those affected.

"We would ask for all to respect the privacy of the Lawson family at this devastating time."

Paul Lawson Credit: Facebook.

Paul had reportedly got into difficulties while swimming with friends at the end of a scorching hot day across the UK.

Police were called at 5.55pm when officers, paramedics and the fire service quickly responded with underwater search teams to examine the area.

They later discovered his body.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said it is not believed there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and his family are aware and are being supported by specially trained officers.

Detective Chief Inspector John Harris of GMP's Rochdale Borough, said: "My sincerest condolences are with the boy's family at hearing this heart-wrenching news.

"We are working closely with our partners and witnesses to the incident to understand the circumstances."

The Met Office has issued the second highest heatwave alert for all of Britain as the country endures extreme heat.