Underwater search team in a boat at a reservoir.
Share this @internewscast.com

A BODY has been discovered amid a major hunt for a schoolgirl who fell into the water whilst out on a walk with her dad.

Emergency crews had been frantically searching for the 13-year-old who vanished under the water at Baitings Dam yesterday afternoon.

Underwater search team in a boat at a reservoir.
Crews have scoured the dam since yesterday afternoonCredit: Ben Lack
Police vehicles at a reservoir during a search.
The teen had been enjoying a half-term walk with her dad when she vanishedCredit: Ben Lack
Police and emergency personnel searching a reservoir.
Family told how the youngster had a “really bright future”Credit: Ben Lack

West Yorkshire Police confirmed they had discovered a body earlier this afternoon.

It is believed to be the girl’s body, but formal identification is yet to be completed.

Detective Inspector Laura Hall from Calderdale’s Safeguarding Team commented, “Although we are still awaiting formal identification, the family of the young girl has been notified and is receiving support from officers with specialized training.”

“My thoughts go out to her family and friends at this very sad time.

“Our enquiries are continuing into the death in order to establish exactly what happened yesterday, but we do not believe it to be suspicious.” 

A cordon was put in place at the reservoir in Ripponden, West Yorkshire, after cops were called at around 1.20pm on Wednesday.

In a relentless effort to locate the child, underwater search teams have been working nonstop, utilizing two rigid inflatable boats that were observed at the scene earlier today.

The teenager, from Halifax, had been posing for pictures with her dad when she tragically fell into the 140ft-deep water.

It is understood she hit the water after falling roughly 30ft from the parapet of the dam.

Local resident Sue Ferris helped comfort the girl’s family, who told her that the youngster had a “bright future”.

The 80-year-old said: “She had just got into grammar school, they told me.

“She wanted to walk round the reservoir with her dad because it was half term, but the rest of the family didn’t want to go.

“It was just dad and daughter at the reservoir when she fell in. The rest of the family came after the accident.

According to an eyewitness, the girl’s father had been taking photos at the time. The witness also reported hearing the father shouting her name in distress after she fell into the water, but he did not enter the water himself.

“He had some kind of heart problem and was clutching his chest soon afterwards and was taken away by ambulance.

Major search underway after girl falls into huge dam lake as cops launch hunt

“They were very proud of her. She had a really bright future.”

Mrs Ferris, who has lived in the same house overlooking the reservoir for 20 years, slammed officials for a lack of buoyancy aids around the water.

She added: “It is disgraceful that there are no life rings anywhere on the parapet.

“Yorkshire Water added the white metal railings on top of the stone structure some years ago now.

“But it only adds about half a foot to the barrier height and actually helps people to climb onto the wall.

“It gives them something to grip on to.

“All it is doing is helping people to stand on the wall.”

Four West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue crews were sent out to the dam on Wednesday, assisted by the Littleborough crew.

Yorkshire Ambulance Service also confirmed they sent officers from their Hazardous Area Response Team.

Speaking on Wednesday, a West Yorkshire police spokesperson said: “Shortly after 1.17pm this afternoon police were called to a report a girl had fallen into water at Baitings Dam near Ripponden.

“Emergency services are currently on the scene, with searches ongoing to locate the girl.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
California police nab 7 foreign nationals in jewelry store heist, 1 suspect still loose

California Police Arrest 7 Foreign Nationals in Jewelry Store Robbery; 1 Suspect Remains at Large

Seven men, suspected of jewelry thefts in their home countries, have reportedly…
Crews respond to massive explosions at fireworks facility in California

Emergency Teams Tackle Huge Blasts at California Fireworks Site

A fireworks facility in Yolo County, California caught fire and exploded on…
Smiling girl with pigtails.

Family Honours 7-Year-Old Daughter Who Lost Her Life in Tragic Park Accident, Remembered as Their ‘Ray of Light’

TRIBUTES have flooded in for a little girl who was killed by…
BIO Plots $2M Campaign to Remove RFK

BIO Launches $2 Million Effort to Dismiss RFK

A leaked memo surfaced outlining a plot to remove US Secretary of…
A carer abusing an elderly man in his son's home.

Caregiver Violently Tosses and Threatens 88-Year-Old Dementia Patient Before His Death

THIS is the shocking moment a carer “violently degrades” a frail 88-year-old…
Lawsuit says Trump's immigration crackdown has put LA 'under siege' in defiance of federal law

Lawsuit Claims Trump’s Immigration Policies Have Left Los Angeles ‘Under Siege,’ Violating Federal Law

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A federal lawsuit filed Wednesday accuses President Donald…
Daughter of assassinated civil rights leader sees painful echoes of political violence in America

Daughter of Slain Civil Rights Leader Recognizes Troubling Patterns of Political Violence in the US

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Over six decades have passed since a white…
American tourist vanishes in tropical paradise after early morning walk from vacation rental

American Tourist Disappears During Early Morning Walk in Tropical Paradise

A man from Monroe, New York, who was vacationing in Turks and…
My husband is bad at sex — how do I break the news?

How to Communicate Constructively with Your Partner About Improving Your Intimate Life

DEAR ABBY: After facing years of setbacks, I’ve finally met the ideal…
Woman holding a photo of a younger woman with a bird.

Virginia Giuffre’s Emotional Diary Sheds Light on Epstein Victim’s Troubling Last Months

VIRGINIA Giuffre’s diary leading up to her tragic suicide has shown just…
'He's Guilty As Sin': Megyn Kelly, 50 Cent, Rosie O'Donnell and More React to Diddy Verdict

“Diddy Verdict Sparks Strong Reactions from Megyn Kelly, 50 Cent, Rosie O’Donnell, and Others”

During “The Megyn Kelly Show” on SiriusXM, Kelly announced the jury’s decision…
Marvel Cinematic Universe Disney+ series 'Ironheart' highlights importance of representation for girls of color in STEM fields

Disney+ series ‘Ironheart’ from the Marvel Cinematic Universe emphasizes the significance of representation for girls of color in STEM fields

CHICAGO (WLS) — Marvel is putting Chicago on the map. The Griffin…