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
Immigration operation at California cannabis farms leads to clash between federal agents and protesters

Federal Immigration Raid on California Cannabis Farms Sparks Confrontation with Protesters

On Thursday, demonstrators confronted federal officials during an immigration raid at a…
Jeffrey Epstein's brother laughs at 'stupid' FBI memo defending controversial suicide ruling: report

Jeffrey Epstein’s Brother Mocks ‘Ridiculous’ FBI Memo Justifying Suicide Ruling: Report

Jeffrey Epstein’s brother has criticized federal investigators for their recent statement indicating…
Randy Couture, UFC Hall of Famer, hospitalized after racing crash

UFC Legend Randy Couture Hospitalized Following Racing Accident

The 62-year-old UFC Hall of Famer has been working to make his…
US Drug Enforcement Administration Chicago field office touts progress after major fentanyl busts: ABC7 I-TEAM EXCLUSIVE

The Chicago DEA Highlights Success After Significant Fentanyl Seizures: An Exclusive Report by ABC7 I-TEAM

CHICAGO (WLS) — The ABC7 I-Team spoke exclusively with Chicago’s top drug…
Secret Service acquires iconic presidential Marine One helicopter for advanced agent training program

Secret Service Enhances Agent Training with Iconic Marine One Presidential Helicopter

The newly decommissioned Marine One helicopter found a new home with the…
Freed from ICE detention, Mahmoud Khalil files $20 million claim against Trump administration

After Release from ICE Custody, Mahmoud Khalil Sues Trump Administration for $20 Million

In New York, Mahmoud Khalil sat in his apartment holding his 10-week-old…
Iranian flag held aloft by a statue in Tehran, with an anti-Israel billboard in the background.

The UK warns that Iran now presents a serious physical threat to residents, similar to the risk from Russia.

IRAN poses a significant threat to Britain with Tehran’s spies targeting the…
Paul McCartney tour 2025 announced: Cities, dates, how to get tickets

Paul McCartney 2025 Tour Details: Schedule, Locations, and Ticket Information

It’ll be McCartney’s first North American tour since 2022. WASHINGTON — Paul…
FBI seeking military vet suspected in ICE ambush at Texas detention facility

FBI Searches for Military Veteran Suspected in ICE Facility Attack in Texas

The FBI is currently on the hunt for a veteran who is…
Carol Reith arrested for animal cruelty, 52 dogs rescued from 200 block of Sky Hill Road, Wauconda police say

Wauconda Police Report: Carol Reith Detained for Animal Cruelty; 52 Dogs Rescued on Sky Hill Road

WAUCONDA, Ill. (WLS) — A woman was arrested for animal cruelty after…
Woman standing in front of a small airplane.

Tragic Mid-Air Collision Claims Life of 20-Year-Old Female Student Pilot as Two Planes Attempt to Land

A STUDENT pilot lost her life in a mid-air collision involving the…
Chinese satellites complete groundbreaking mission 22,000 miles above Earth

Chinese Satellites Achieve Revolutionary Milestone 22,000 Miles in Space

China’s space program made significant progress recently when two of its satellites…