Two in hospital and teen missing as search operation continues at Rudyard Lake

25 February 2024 , 13:21

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Rudyard Lake in Staffordshire (Image: Stoke Sentinel/BPM Media)

Two people have been admitted to hospital and a teen remains missing as a search operation continues at Rudyard Lake.

Police continue with the search of the water and the area surrounding the beauty spot after receiving reports of three people falling in to the water. A large emergency response consisting of police, paramedics, firefighters and a Staffordshire Police helicopter were scrambled there at 9.30pm last night.

Officers said they received an emergency call over concerns for three young men, said to be around 17 years old, who were seen in the water. Two of the teens managed to get themselves out of the water and were checked over by paramedics before being rushed to hospital. However the third teenager is 'still unaccounted for'. Last night and the National Police Air Service was brought in as part of the search efforts.

Today, specialist search teams remain at the scene along with officers and firefighters. StokeonTrentLive reported earlier today how all footpaths leading to the lake had been taped off.

Police have taped off the area as they continue their investigation and search (Stoke Sentinel/BPM Media)

Officers are urging the public to stay away from the area as efforts to find the young man continue. A spokesman for the force said: "A large number of emergency services are currently at Rudyard Lake following reports that three people fell in.

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"We got a call shortly after 9.30pm last night that three young men, believed to be about 17-years-old, were spotted in the water. Two of them managed to get out and were assessed by paramedics from West Midlands Ambulance Service. They have both been taken to hospital.

"Specialist search teams are currently in the area alongside colleagues from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service. Our colleagues from the National Police Air Service also helped with the searches yesterday.

"The third young man is still unaccounted for. We are advising the public to avoid the area where possible whilst we continue to work at the scene."

Organisers with the Rudyard Lake Trust, which manages the site, issued an update to visitors on their Facebook page earlier today. They said: "Due to an incident overnight the Lake and surrounding area has been closed until further notice to both pedestrians and vehicles. Our car park and facilities have been shutdown until further notice. Thanks in anticipation for your understanding."

Dave Knapper