Police search for boy missing after Ribchester River Ribble swim

Police in ribchester are searching for a boy who remains missing after getting into difficulty while swimming in the River Ribble with friends. Officers were called shortly after 14:00 BST over concerns for his welfare, and Lancashire Police said emergency services were at the scene.

"Emergency services are at the scene and searches are ongoing," Lancashire Police said. The call came as much of England and Wales was under official heatwave cover, with amber and yellow heat-health alerts issued for many areas by the UK Health Security Agency.

River Ribble at Ribchester

Ann-Marie Ruddock, a Ribchester resident, said part of the river was a hotspot for children and that visitors to swim there tended to come from outside the area. She said locals know the dangers and usually keep away. "Locals are well aware of the dangers of the river and they tend to keep away from it," she said.

Ruddock also described the search as a grim one, saying: "It's nightmare scenario. I'm just hoping they find him." Her comments came as the search continued at the riverbank where the boy had entered the water with friends.

Residents near the scene

Valerie Hodgson, who lives nearby, said the boy's parents were likely facing a painful wait. "For the parents it must be dreadfully worrying," she said. "When you have had children you try to protect them but on a nice day like today you can't be there all the time can you?"

Her remarks captured the immediate strain on families near the scene while emergency crews continued to search. The incident also came after three teenagers died in separate incidents at beauty spots across England, adding to concern around open-water swimming during hot weather.

For anyone near the river at Ribchester, the practical step is to keep clear of the search area and let emergency services work. The boy's whereabouts remain the focus, and the police response is still under way at the river.