A teenage girl has died after getting into difficulty in water in Stalybridge.

The body of the girl, whose age or identity hasn't yet been disclosed, was recovered from the water near Crowswood Drive in the Carrbrook area.

Police were called shortly before 6.30pm on Monday evening (15 August) to reports of a person getting into difficulty in the water. 

It prompted a large scale emergency service response and a huge cordon was in place into the night, with technical response units, air ambulances, multiple fire engines and Greater Manchester Police's underwater search unit in attendance. 

In an update on Tuesday morning (16 August), police confirmed that a body was found in the water later in the evening and recovered by specialist teams overnight.

A GMP spokesperson said formal identification has taken place and specially trained officers are offering support to the family at this extremely difficult time.

Police tape close to the water

They added that enquiries are ongoing but detectives are, at this stage, confident that there aren’t any suspicious circumstances, and a file is being prepared for the coroner.

Detective Inspector Steven Horton, of GMP's Tameside CID, said: “Yesterday evening’s events are nothing short of devastating and my thoughts are with the friends and family of the young girl who lost her life in such awful circumstances.

“We are doing all we can to support the girl’s family at this incredibly difficult time, and we are focused on ensuring they get the answers they deserve as to how this tragedy occurred.

“From our enquiries so far, we are confident that there are no suspicious circumstances and that this is such a sad reminder of the dangers of entering open water, whatever the weather.”

A Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "This is an absolutely heartbreaking incident. The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are with the girl who has sadly lost her life, and her family and friends at this tragic time." 

Stalybridge MP Jonathan Reynolds said on his Facebook page: "Devastating news for Stalybridge. My heart goes out to her family, friends, school peers and neighbours. Thank you to the emergency services for working through the night."

Police are reminding the public to avoid being tempted to cool off in reservoirs, rivers, canals or ponds.

They said: "We all want to enjoy the warm weather; please make sure you do so in a safe way. Think of your family; look out for your friends." 

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