Major search for schoolboy, 14, who became separated from friends while swimming

Coastguard helicopter is searching the water off Crosby beach.

A 14-year-old boy has gone missing while swimming with his friends at a beach on the River Mersey.

Rescue teams are searching the area off Crosby beach in Waterloo around seven miles north of Liverpool.

The teen became separated from a group of friends near the radar tower yesterday evening, the police said.

The emergency services were alerted just after 7pm after concern for the boy after the rest of the group returned from swimming.

His friends got out of the water, but he had become separated in the river and he has not been seen since, Merseyside Police said.

Crosby beach near the radar tower has been cordoned off.

The force said: ‘We are asking people to avoid the area at this time, whilst the emergency services, including the coastguard and North West Ambulance Service, continue searching for the missing boy.’

The search is ongoing, with a costguard helicopter seen flying over the River Mersey this morning, Liverpool Echo reports.

The local council also asked people to ‘avoid the area this time.’

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