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
Texas man admits to killing missing American Airlines flight attendant: Docs

Texas Man Confesses to Killing Missing American Airlines Flight Attendant: Investigators Report

TARRANT COUNTY, Texas (KFDX/KJTL) — Authorities in Fort Worth have reported that…
Orange Park man pleads guilty to impregnating minor, given 20-year sentence

Orange Park Resident Admits to Impregnating Minor, Receives 20-Year Prison Term

Kelvin McCray, 48, pleaded guilty to two charges for impregnating a 13-year-old…
Two Chinese nationals arrested for spying on US Navy personnel and bases

Two Individuals from China Detained on Charges of Espionage Involving US Navy Bases and Personnel

In April 2025, Lai purportedly traveled to Houston, claiming the trip was…
Chicago shooting suspect Charles Leto, a lifeguard, due in court for Douglass Park incident that killed Marjay Dotson, hurt cousin

Chicago Shooter and Lifeguard Charles Leto to Appear in Court for Douglass Park Incident Resulting in the Death of Marjay Dotson and Injury to His Cousin

CHICAGO (WLS) — The suspected gunman in a deadly Douglass Park shooting…
DHS slams 'bizarre tale' about activist allegedly kidnapped by bounty hunters

DHS Criticizes ‘Unbelievable Story’ of Activist’s Alleged Bounty Hunter Kidnapping

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is responding to “lazy” news reports…
Chicago budget: Mayor Brandon Johnson, officials looking for ways to close projected $1.2B budget shortfall

Chicago Budget: Mayor Brandon Johnson and Officials Seeking Solutions for $1.2 Billion Deficit

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago’s budget director has stated that 2026 is anticipated…
Frustrated woman argues for more childfree businesses
A woman’s take on why more parents should leave their kids at…
Massachusetts man accused of stabbing mom's boyfriend 17 times, dousing him in lighter fluid in deadly fight over steaks

Massachusetts Man Allegedly Stabs Mother’s Boyfriend 17 Times, Covers Him in Lighter Fluid During Fatal Dispute Over Steaks

A man from Massachusetts is facing charges after allegedly stabbing his mother’s…
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker selects Christian Mitchell as running mats for 3rd term bid

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker Chooses Christian Mitchell as Running Mate for Third Term Campaign

CHICAGO (WLS) — Governor JB Pritzker has announced Christian Mitchell will be…
Jury reaches verdict on 4 of 5 counts in Diddy trial but is told to keep deliberating

Jury Decides on 4 of 5 Charges in Diddy Trial; Instructed to Continue Deliberations

NEW YORK (AP) — In Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex trafficking trial, the…
Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart dead at 90, family says

Family Announces the Passing of Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart at Age 90

The Rev. Jimmy Swaggart, who was known as America’s longest-serving TV evangelist…
Street scene of parked cars near a police vehicle.

Toddler tragically passes away after being left in car during 35C afternoon in Spain

A TODDLER has died after being “forgotten” inside a car in Spain…