West Yorkshire Police have confirmed the recovery of a body during the search for a missing teenage girl who reportedly fell into the water at Baitings Dam reservoir near Ripponden, close to Rochdale, on Wednesday afternoon.
Emergency services, including police, fire, and ambulance crews, were deployed to the beauty spot around 1:15 PM on May 21, after reports that a young girl had fallen into the reservoir.
In an update on Thursday afternoon, West Yorkshire Police stated that a body had been recovered from the water. While formal identification has not yet taken place, officers believe the body is that of the missing teenager and have informed her family, who earlier visited the scene of the search.
“Our enquiries are continuing into the death to establish exactly what happened, but at this stage, we do not believe it to be suspicious,” police said in their statement.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, with many taking to social media to express their sorrow and support for the girl’s loved ones.
One local wrote:
“This is absolutely heartbreaking. I can’t begin to imagine what her parents must be feeling tonight. Praying for strength for the family.”
Another commented:
“Shocking and devastating news. Praying for a miracle. Thoughts are with her family.”
A third post read:
“Life is so fragile. Please be kind to one another. Sending prayers to everyone affected.”
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
West Yorkshire Police are expected to release further updates once formal identification is complete and the investigation progresses.
Metro
