Body found after boy, 15, goes missing in lake

Grace Parnelland
Adam Aiken,East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire
News imageJake Zuckerman/BBC A serene, calm lake under a blue sky.Jake Zuckerman/BBC
Declan Sawyer got into difficulty in the water at Swanholme Lakes in Lincoln

A 15-year-old boy who died in a lake in Lincoln will be "sorely missed" at his school, officials said in a statement.

Emergency crews were called to reports of the boy getting into difficulty at Swanholme Lakes at about 14:30 BST on Sunday.

Lincolnshire Police said a body was found after a search, and he was later named as Declan Sawyer.

In the statement, Priory City of Lincoln Academy said: "This loss is devastating and our entire Priory Lincoln learning community is grieving alongside Declan's family and friends."

News imageJessica Lane/BBC A bouquet of colourful flowers tied to a gate. There is a dusty path and woodland behind it.Jessica Lane/BBC
Flowers left near the scene of Sunday's tragedy

It added: "Declan was a valued member of our academy and a loyal friend to many students. His presence and character in our academy will be sorely missed by staff and students alike, and his absence will be felt profoundly in the coming days, weeks and months ahead.

"At times like this, it is natural for students to experience a wide range of emotions. We want to reassure you that we are here to support every member of our community."

News imageJake Zuckerman/BBC A green sign, covered in algae, giving information about Swanholme Lakes, a nature reserve in Lincoln. Behind it is foliage, including bushes with purple flowers.Jake Zuckerman/BBC
Swanholme Lakes is a nature reserve about three miles from Lincoln city centre

Earlier, a police spokesperson said: "This is such a sad incident that will no doubt also affect many of Declan's friends and the local community as well."

Swanholme Lakes is a nature reserve and a nationally recognised Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Sunday was provisionally the UK's hottest May day in 79 years, with the temperature soaring to 32C in Heathrow.

In Lincoln, the temperature reached about 25C, according to the Met Office.

Listen to highlights fromLincolnshire on BBC Sounds, and watch thelatest episode of Look North.

Related internet links