A 13-year-old boy has died after getting into difficulties while swimming in a reservoir in West Yorkshire during the Bank Holiday heatwave, police confirmed on Tuesday.Emergency services arrived at the Leadbeater Dam on Lumb Lane in Halifax at around 3.20pm on Monday after reports the teenager was struggling in the water. The boy was later pulled out and taken to hospital, where he was declared dead.
Police have denied any wrongdoing
West Yorkshire Police said Calderdale CID are investigating the incident, but there are currently no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.In a statement, the force said officers, firefighters and paramedics immediately responded to the scene after receiving distress calls from members of the public.Leadbeater Dam is known locally as a popular swimming spot, especially during the warm season.
Hottest day of May recorded in Britain
The tragedy occurred as Britain experienced exceptionally high temperatures, with the Met Office confirming the hottest May day ever recorded in Britain.The temperature at Kew Gardens, south-west London, hit 34.8 degrees Celsius on Monday, setting a new temporary record for the hottest meteorological spring temperature in the country.Forecasters warned that temperatures could rise even higher on Tuesday, with temperatures expected to reach 35°C or even 36°C in many parts of southern England and Wales.
Another teen found dead in search of Lincoln Lake
In a separate incident, police confirmed that a body had been recovered during the search for 15-year-old Declan Sawyer, who went missing after entering Swanholm Lake in Lincoln on Sunday afternoon.Lincolnshire Police said specialist dive teams located the body that evening. The teenager’s family have been informed and are being supported by the authorities.The force urged the public not to spread unverified information online, saying, “Our thoughts are with his family at this incredibly difficult time.”
Fresh concerns over open water safety
A succession of tragedies have reignited concerns over water safety as rising temperatures drive crowds to lakes, reservoirs and dams across Britain.Officials continue to warn people about the hidden dangers of open water even during warm weather, including cold snaps, strong currents and sudden drops in depth.