Teenage boy drowns in Chorley reservoir

A 15-year-old boy has drowned in a reservoir in Lancashire.

Thomas Barton, from Coppull, got into difficulty after going for a swim at Birkacre Brow in Yarrow Valley Park, Chorley, on Sunday.

Emergency services were called to the scene at about 19:40 BST and a rescue operation was launched.

Thomas's body was recovered from the water at about 23:30 BST. Four of his friends were rescued unhurt from a floating platform.

Lancashire Police said a number of agencies were involved at the scene, including the North West Ambulance Service, Mountain Rescue and the park rangers.

Det Insp Jo Keay said: "Despite the best efforts of all the people involved in the rescue operation, sadly, a young boy has lost his life and it goes to illustrate the dangers of swimming in open water.

"This absolutely tragic accident and our thoughts are with Thomas' family at this incredibly sad time."

The reservoir, called Big Lodge Water, was created on land previously used for bleaching, Calico printing, dyeing and mining at Birkacre.