12-year old school girl drowns while swimming in river

It's thought the 12-year old got into trouble in the river on Thursday night

Police say they don’t believe there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of a 12-year old girl who drowned after going into a river near Bury on Thursday night (27th June).

It was at around 7.55pm on Thursday 27 June 2019, police were called to reports of a concern for the welfare of a young person last seen in the River Irwell close to Dunster Road in Bury.

Emergency services quickly responded and underwater search teams were sent to examine the area.

Sadly, officers discovered the body of a 12-year-old girl.

Specially trained officers are supporting the child’s family at this difficult time.

Detective Inspector Andrew Naismith, of Greater Manchester Police’s Bury district, said: “This is an incredibly tragic incident in which a young girl has lost her life, and my thoughts are with her family at this devastating time.

“We have a team of detectives working on this, but there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances at this time.

“With the warmer weather, it’s tempting to go into the water to cool off, but I’d like to remind everyone of the dangers of playing near or swimming in rivers, lakes and reservoirs and would strongly urge against this.”

Anyone with information should contact 0161 856 8172 quoting reference number 2154 of 27/06/19 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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