Body found in sea confirmed as missing boy, 14, last seen playing in waves with brother

13 July 2024 , 21:20
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Body found in sea confirmed as missing boy, 14, last seen playing in waves with brother
Body found in sea confirmed as missing boy, 14, last seen playing in waves with brother

Police have identified the body found in the River Mersey as 14-year-old Daniel Halliday, who went missing after jumping waves and swimming near a radar tower on Crosby Beach

A body found in the River Mersey has been identified by police as missing schoolboy Daniel Halliday.

The 14-year-old was dragged away from the shore by strong currents while jumping waves. This was despite his older brother trying to save him, according to his family. 

Daniel was separated from his brother and friends were separated after swimming near a radar tower on Crosby Beach, with a search later called by HM Coastguard. The coastguard was unable to locate the teenager, with emergency services, including police and the North West Ambulance service, called at 7pm.

The search continued for 15 hours until it was stood down, with the coordinated effort failing to find the teen. After missing for nearly two weeks, his body was found by the Coastguard off New Brighton on Monday night. 

Daniel’s family described him as a "loving son, brother, cousin, nephew and grandson." On Saturday, Merseyside Police added that they are supporting the teen’s family, with his death not being treated as suspicious. Now, the case has been referred to the coroner’s office.

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Tributes have been left for the teenager Image: Conaill Corner/Liverpool ECHO)

His family said: "Our worst fear is that this tragic accident has taken our lovely boy from us. Daniel was jumping waves with his big brother who tried to save him but the current was too strong. 

"Daniel is a loving son, brother, cousin, nephew and grandson. The family are all devastated, and we hope that we will be allowed our privacy at this time. Thank you."

Tributes have been left for Daniel on Crosby beach, near to the radar tower where Daniel was swept away. One balloon has written on it: "Miss you son, love you forever. Love, mum and dad and brothers". Other heartfelt messages were also tied to the railings including blue balloons, flowers and a teddy bear. 

Meanwhile, in a statement released this afternoon, Merseyside Police said: "We can confirm that the body of a male found in the River Mersey is that of missing 14-year-old Daniel Halliday. Officers received a report that the body of a boy had been found by HM Coastguard on the evening of Monday 8 July in the river at New Brighton.

"Following extensive forensic examinations by Merseyside Police, the boy has been formally identified as Daniel Halliday. Daniel had been reported to have been jumping waves in Crosby at 7pm on Sunday 30 June before getting into difficulty.

"Officers are supporting his family at this difficult time. His death is being treated as not suspicious and the case was referred to the coroner’s office."

Thomas Brown

Crosby Beach, Teenagers, Children, River Mersey, Police

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