Stalybridge: girl drowns after getting into difficulties in water near Crowswood Drive

A teenage girl has died after apparently getting into difficulties in open water in Stalybridge.

Emergency services were called to the Crowswood Drive area at 6.30pm on Monday (15 August) to reports of someone struggling in the water at Carrbrook Angling Club.

Specialist teams from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue and the police co-ordinated a water search and sadly the girl’s body was later recovered from the water.

The girl, aged 14, has been formally identified and officers are supporting her family. There are no suspicious circumstances, Tameside CID said, and a file is being prepared for the coroner.

GMP today issued a warning to the public not to enter the water to cool off in hot temperatures following the tragedy, which comes a few weeks after a teenage boy died swimming in Salford Quays during a previous spell of hot weather.

What have police said?

Detective Inspector Steven Horton, of our 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 police spokesman added: “We remind the public to avoid being tempted to cool off in reservoirs, rivers, canals or ponds.

“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.”