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
Suburban High School District 214 gauging public interest in renovations that could cost up to $850M, result in property tax hike

Local High School District 214 Considers Major Renovation Plans Potentially Impacting Property Taxes

A school district in the northwest suburbs is currently seeking public input…
Blue city mayor rocked as gunfire hits home, says ‘none of us are immune’ from crime

Shocking Gunfire at Mayor’s Home Sparks Urgent Call for Action: Why No City is Safe from Crime Anymore

In a startling incident over the weekend, the residence of Stockton Mayor…
Bryan Kohberger says he was diagnosed with 4 mental disorders before guilty plea: report

Kohberger’s Legal Team Criticizes GoFundMe Support for Victims’ Families

In a recent development in the case of Bryan Kohberger, the convicted…
Father leaps into ocean after daughter falls from Disney cruise ship deck: reports

Report: Mother Allegedly Urged Daughter to Pose for Photo at Open Porthole Before Fall from Disney Cruise Ship

A family vacation aboard the Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Dream took a…
California woman hit by small plane during crash landing on soccer field

Shocking Plane Crash: California Woman Struck During Emergency Landing on Soccer Field

A woman in California was hit by a small aircraft that crash-landed…
Fernandina Beach rejects ban on downtown paid parking

Fernandina Beach Decides Against Prohibiting Paid Parking Downtown

As discussions continue around the paid parking plan, the commissioners have decided…
Vermont police search for student who vanished from Middlebury College

Vermont Authorities Intensify Search for Missing Middlebury College Student

Authorities in Vermont have initiated an extensive search for a missing senior…
Miami Beach tops US priciest home zip codes in 2025

Miami Beach Overtakes Nation as Most Expensive Zip Code for Homes in 2025

California has cemented its reputation for high real estate costs, claiming seven…
Australian prime minister's plane makes emergency landing in St. Louis after leaving Washington

Australian Prime Minister’s Plane Makes Safe Emergency Landing in St. Louis Following Departure from Washington

On Tuesday night, a flight carrying Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had…
Opening statements Wednesday in trial of ex-Illinois officer who killed Sonya Massey

Opening Statements to Begin Wednesday in Trial of Former Illinois Officer Accused of Killing Sonya Massey

In Springfield, Illinois, the courtroom is set to be the scene of…
Former NFL player who died in police custody battled injuries and mental health challenges

Ex-NFL Star’s Tragic End Highlights Struggles with Injuries and Mental Health

Nearly two decades ago, Doug Martin made his way to Boise State…
National Guard Chicago news: Judge to consider extension of order temporarily blocking National Guard in Chicago area

Judge to Decide Fate of National Guard Deployment in Chicago: Temporary Block Extension Under Review

The unfolding story in Chicago has taken a significant turn, as a…