Teen Drowns In Manchester While Swimming on Hottest Day of the Year

Paul Lawson drowned in Manchester Reservoir

Emotional tributes are being paid to a teenager who drowned while swimming with friends on a scorching hot day.

The teen, named by friends as Paul Lawson, was remembered by grief-stricken pals as a "great guy" and keen footballer who was "loved by so many".

Friends offered condolences to his mum and sister, with one writing online: "Life is extremely cruel."

The college student disappeared under the water as people cooled off at Greenbooth Reservoir outside Rochdale, Greater Manchester, on one of the hottest days of the year.

Friends paid tribute to Paul on Facebook, where one wrote: "Your life doesn't always end with old age, time is so precious!

"Love everyone in you life and cherish them! Nobody knows what's waiting around the corner. No one.

"Rip Paul Lawson you was obviously cared and loved by so many. Life is EXTREMELY cruel."

Another heartbroken friend added: "Paul was a great guy and honestly the nicest person going was so close with him in college.

"I'm sad I couldn't even say goodbye to him as he was taken away to soon rest in peace big man your with the angels now much love brother.

Another post stated: "I cannot believe what I have heard. RIP Paul, my love and thoughts go to your family especially your mum and little sister, they will miss you, please give them strength to get through this sad time.

"Please warn your children about the dangers of swimming in reservoirs!!"

Paul played football for the Under 19 side Wardle V in the Rochdale Super League, which has asked clubs to hold a minute's silence in his memory before tonight's matches.

The league said in a statement: "We regret to inform our members of the tragic passing of Wardle V player, Paul Lawson.

"Paul played in the Rochdale Super League since 2015, and the news has come as a shock to all.

"We would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends affected by this tragedy and offer our full support to all those affected. We would ask for all to respect the privacy of the Lawson family at this devastating time."

The tragedy happened as the Canal and River Trust issued a warning to young people to stay out of open water this summer.

Greater Manchester Police said the teen disappeared under the water shortly before 6pm yesterday and his body was later recovered.

A spokesperson said: "He had been underwater for five minutes when police were called but officers, paramedics and the fire service quickly responded with underwater search teams to examine the area.

"Sadly, officers discovered the body of a teenage boy.

"It is not believed that there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and his family are aware and are being supported by specially trained officers at this difficult time."

Detective Chief Inspector John Harris of GMP’s Rochdale Borough, said: “My sincerest condolences are with the boy’s family at hearing this heart-wrenching news.

“We are working closely with our partners and witnesses to the incident to understand the circumstances.”

Culled from the Mirror.com