FLORAL tributes have been left at the side of Carr Mill Dam to a 15-year-old girl who died yesterday.
Emergency services were called to the dam off Old Garswood Road at 12.30pm on Thursday after reports of a concern for the safety of the teenage girl.
Reading a statement at the scene, Chief Inspector Paul Holden said: “Upon their arrival at the scene, officers entered the water in an attempt to find the teenage girl.
“They were joined by officers from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service.
“Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, the search culminated in the recovery of the girl’s body.”
He said the girl’s next of kin had been made aware and would be supported by specialist officers.
Hundreds of messages of sympathy have been posted on the Star’s Facebook page, reflecting the sense of devastation and heartbreak the town is feeling.
The dam is a large body of water nearby a number of tight-knit communities, including Carr Mill, Clinkham Wood, Laffak and Moss Bank.
This morning, floral tributes have been left at the scene, as messages from parents across the community urge youths to avoid swimming in open waters while sending condolences to the girl’s family.
On the Star’s Facebook, Rachael Howard said: “It looks so inviting on days like today, not enough is done to teach kids that just because they can swim well in a pool doesn’t mean they can swim in a body of water like dam’s, rivers and ponds with the currents, temperatures and multitude of reeds and debris underneath that they can get caught in.
“It happens every year and still not enough is done to teach them, teens think they’re invincible, we all did once. My heart breaks for her parents and family, I can’t imagine the pain they’re going through thinking of them all x”
Andrea Long said: “Such tragic news my thoughts are with the family and friends of this young girl tonight also huge respect to the emergency services who worked tiredlessly and much be heartbroken at the scenes they witnessed. RIP little Angel xx”
Janet Parr added: “So so sad my deepest sympathy to family & of the girl who's lost her young life , it's only when the sun comes out everyone flocks to the water & carr mill dam is so so deceiving & dangerous please make sure your kids are safe & also good swimmers you can't be with them 24/7 such a tragedy ”
Elaine Kyle said: “We all did it as kids and we all think it wouldn't happen to us. It's so sad, gut wrenching. Our community hurts xx”
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