Community devastated by death of girl at Carr Mill Dam

Emergency services were called to the dam off Old Garswood Road at 12.30pm on Thursday after reports of a concern for the safety of the teenage girl.

She had “got in distress” while swimming with friends, Merseyside Police said.

Reading a statement at the scene, Chief Inspector Paul Holden said: “Upon their arrival at the scene, officers entered the water in an attempt to find the teenage girl.

“They were joined by officers from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service.

“Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, the search culminated in the recovery of the girl’s body.”

He said the girl’s next of kin had been made aware and would be supported by specialist officers.

Hundreds of messages of sympathy have been posted on the Star’s Facebook page, reflecting the sense of devastation and heartbreak the town is feeling.

The dam is a large body of water nearby a number of tight-knit communities, including Carr Mill, Clinkham Wood, Laffak and Moss Bank.

Among those to express sympathy on the Star’s pages was Coleen Tetlow, who wrote: “Absolutely heartbreaking news. Sincere condolences to her family and friends.”

Dave Jones added: “Awful news. Respect to the emergency services that attended. Condolences to family and friends of the teenager.”

Nicola Lee posted: “Absolutely heartbreaking 💔 RIP sweetheart and much love & strength to your family 💔”

Rachelle Mather added: “Absolutely heartbreaking 💔💔💔 “Sleep tight Angel 😢

“Deepest sympathy to her family, friends and loved ones xx.

“Lives changed in an instant 💔💔💔.

“Will be holding my teenagers extra close tonight.”

Onlookers at the dam today described witnessing a huge emergency services response at the scene.

Police vehicles, including an underwater search van, ambulances and fire engines were parked in the car park of a nearby pub as the search took place. A large area was cordoned off to the public.

Officers could be seen patrolling the path around the dam.

The search appeared to take place in water nearby a stone banking where people can sometimes be seen sitting.

One bystander said: “A police lady who was at the edge of the lake said a child’s gone missing and some women told us two children had gone into the water but one had managed to get out.”

A man who had been walking his dog in the area said: “Three police officers went into the lake, we saw one of them afterwards and he was wringing wet.

“The helicopter has been up as well.

“It’s such a nice day and people are just attracted to these natural beauty spots.”

The dam is a well-known beauty spot that attracts large numbers of visitors – including young people - on sunny days.

Emergency crews searched a section of the dam (Image: PA)

Chief Inspector Holden added: “When the schools return for the summer term our schools officers will work with St Helens Council to ensure that we are able to educate young people about the dangers of water.

“We know how tempting it can be to cool down in the water on a hot summer’s day, but we want to ensure that young people are equipped with the right knowledge to keep them safe around water.”

A force spokesman said the death was not being treated as suspicious and a file would be prepared for the coroner.

St Helens area manager for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service Kevin Longshaw said: “Firefighters in water kit entered the dam to search. They were assisted with an airborne drone and an underwater drone.

“Working jointly with our police and ambulance colleagues, we were able to establish the location of the young person and tragically were able to confirm that a body was recovered shortly after.

“Our thoughts are very much with the family and all those affected by this tragic incident.”