Boy, 17, dies after falling into river while riding inflatable canoe with pals

10 April 2024 , 17:07

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A 17-year-old boy was pulled from the River Croal in Bolton (Image: Manchester Evening News)

A 17-year-old boy has tragically died after falling into a river while riding on an inflatable canoe in Greater Manchester.

Police and firefighters were called to reports of the incident in the River Croal, off Raikes Lane, Bolton, at about 8pm yesterday. The teen was pulled from the water but was pronounced dead at the scene.

It is understood that the boy got into difficulty after falling into the river while on an inflatable canoe. Police said three other teenage boys were "involved" in the incident and there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

A GMP spokesperson, reported the Manchester Evening News, said: "Greater Manchester Police were called to Raikes Lane in Bolton at around 8pm last night (Tuesday 9 April 2024). This was a report of a person being in difficulty in the water. Attending along with colleagues from GMFRS, it was established four teenage boys were involved. Sadly, a 17-year-old passed away despite the best attempts of emergency services.

"Enquiries are ongoing but detectives from Bolton are confident there aren’t any suspicious circumstances." Detective Inspector Stuart Woodhead said that the force was currently providing support for the teen's family after the accident. He stated: “This is an extremely upsetting and distressing incident for those involved due to the tragic circumstances and we are continuing to support their loved ones at this time."

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A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said that two fire engines were sent to the scene as well as a water incident unit from Heywood and a technical respinse unit from Leigh.

They stated: “At around 8pm on Tuesday 9 April, fire crews were called to a reports of a person in the water near Raikes Lane in Bolton. Two fire engines from Bolton Central fire station, as well as the water incident unit from Heywood and the technical response unit from Leigh, quickly attended the scene. Firefighters recovered a 17-year-old male from the water but he sadly passed away at the scene. This was a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the young man’s family and friends.”

Thomas George