Body found in search for missing teenage boy last seen swimming in River Dee in Chester

Police searching for a missing teenage boy in Chester have found a body.

The 16-year-old was reported missing at around 2.30pm on Thursday 22 July after he disappeared while swimming in the River Dee.

• Elaine Willcox reports from the scene on Thursday evening as searches were still underway.

Extensive searches took place throughout the afternoon and into the evening. Emergency service search teams found a body in the river shortly before 8pm.

Formal identification has not yet taken place, but it is believed to be that of the missing boy.

Chester Police say the teenager’s family have been informed and they are being supported by specially trained officers.

Superintendent Myra Ball said: “Sadly this is the second river death that we have seen this week in the county. This appears to be another tragic accident and our thoughts are with the boy’s family at this very difficult time.”

There have now been six deaths involving water in the last six days across the North West of England during the heatwave. Swimmers have been warned to take care.