Girl, 11, found dead at waterpark after ‘vanishing under the surface at friend’s birthday party’ sparking frantic search
AN 11-year-old girl died at a waterpark today after reportedly vanishing under the surface during a friend’s birthday party.
Police were rushed to a frantic search at Liquid Leisure Windsor in Datchet, Berks., shortly before 4pm today.
The girl was finally found at around 5.10pm and was taken to Wexham Park Hospital but could not be saved.
Her death is being treated as unexplained and an investigation has been launched.
Although formal identification is yet to take place, the girl’s family have been told.
Local policing area commander for Windsor and Maidenhead, Superintendent Michael Greenwood, said: “My thoughts are with the family and friends of the girl who has died as a result of this tragic incident.
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“We are in the early stages of investigating this incident to understand the full circumstances
“There was a swift response from all emergency services and following an extensive search of the lake, the girl, who was 11, was located at around 5.10pm and taken to hospital but sadly died.”
He added: “This has been an extremely traumatic and upsetting incident for all involved.
“I am aware that several members of the public entered the lake shortly after the girl got into difficultly, but were unable to locate her.
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“I would like to commend them for their courage and bravery.
“My sincere condolences are with the girl’s family and friends, and I would ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly traumatic and distressing time for them.”
One witness, who was at the park with her kids this afternoon, told Sky News the little girl was seen going under the water and “didn’t come back up”.
The mum, who did not wish to be named, said: “At that point, the lifeguards came running.
DESPERATE SEARCH
“She was with a group of friends for a girl’s birthday.
“My daughter spoke to the birthday group.”
Park-goers also told how they were asked to call the girl’s name on the beach, in case she had got out of the water.
But the witness said “no-one found her”.
Officers worked with Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service and South Central Ambulance Service with support from the National Police Air Service (NPAS) to find the girl.
Another parkgoer wrote on Twitter earlier: “Was about to start a session at Windsor Liquid Leisure at there was announcement that a girl has gone missing, they don’t know if she is missing in the water.
“Really, really pray that they find her.”
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Activities at Liquid Leisure include a range of water sports, including open water swimming, wakeboarding and boating.
The Sun has approached Liquid Leisure and the emergency services for comment.