Search suspended for swimmer missing after getting into River Mersey during heatwave

  • ITV Granada Reports Merseyside correspondent Andy Bonner sent this from the scene on Wednesday, 21 July

The search for a person missing after going swimming in the River Mersey on the hottest day on record has been suspended.

Haydn Griffiths was last seen in New Brighton, at around 10.30pm on Tuesday, 19 July, as he went swimming with friend.

Merseyside Police say the 23-year-old was attempting to swim out to the nearby wind turbines when he disappeared in the water and did not resurface.

A massive search was launched by the Coastguard and RNLI, but was called off at around 5pm on Wednesday.

Now, Merseyside Police are continuing to carry out enquiries into the disappearance.

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In a statement, officers issued a description of Haydn - white, 6ft 1in tall, of athletic build with short blonde hair and blue eyes - and said he was last seen wearing dark coloured swimming shorts.

The force added: "We are this evening, Wednesday 20th July, continuing to carry out enquiries following reports that a 23-year-old man, Haydn Griffiths, has gone missing while swimming in the River Mersey off New Brighton.

"Haydn was last seen in the water at the Derby Pool, New Brighton, wearing dark coloured swimming shorts attempting to swim towards the windmills in the area.

"An extensive search of the river was carried out last night and today by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency but Haydn was not found and the search has now been suspended.

"Haydn is white, 6ft 1in tall, of athletic build with short blonde hair and blue eyes. Enquiries remain ongoing to find Haydn."

Haydn, 23, was last seen was attempting to swim out to the nearby wind turbines when he disappeared in the water and did not resurface. Credit: Merseyside Police
Credit: Liverpool Echo

After suspending the search, a spokesperson for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: “We have carried out an extensive search across the area and the missing person has – sadly - not been found. The search is now being suspended.

"Our thoughts and those of all our coastguard colleagues are with the family and friends of the missing man.”

Emergency services have repeatedly warned people of the risks of swimming in open water during the heatwave, which has brought temperatures in the high 30s to the North West.

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