Teenage footballer drowned while swimming in reservoir

Emotional tributes are being paid to a teenager who drowned while swimming in a reservoir on a scorching hot day.

He's been named locally as Paul Lawson and it's thought his friends desperately tried to save him after he got into difficulties.

They've said he was a 'great guy' and a keen footballer who was 'loved by so many'.

Matt O'Donoghue reports from Greenbooth Reservoir in Rochdale:

Police are investigating after a teenager has drowned in a reservoir in Rochdale.

The boy is reported to have got into difficulties in the water at Greenbooth Reservoir.

A major emergency services operation was launched after the alarm was raised just before 6 pm tonight.

According to reports from witnesses he was in the water swimming with friends at the time.

One witness said the teen’s friends tried to help him in the water as they shouted at another group who were stood on the side of the reservoir to get help.

The tragedy on one of the hottest days of the year happened as the Canal and River Trust issued a warning today to young people to stay out of open water this summer.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said a number of specialist firefighters were sent to the scene alongside a mountain rescue team.