A body found in the River Bollin earlier today has been identified as that of missing boy Luke Howe.
Luke, 14, had been reported missing shortly before 6.15pm on Thursday evening, and was last seen on Bankhall Lane in Hale.
Emergency services, together with dozens of local residents, had been searching the area overnight and today.
Devastatingly, while searching the River Bollin today, Luke was recovered from the water.
There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
Police identification has now taken place and is confirmed to be the body of Luke Howe. His next of kin have now been informed.
Detective Inspector Rick Lees, of GMP’s Trafford Division, said: "Our condolences are with Luke’s loved ones, his friends and family in what is a truly awful time. This is a tragic case of a young teenager who has sadly died in terrible circumstances and our thoughts remain with Luke’s family.
"Luke’s family are being supported by specially trained officers and ask for their privacy to be respected while they grieve their loss. I would like to praise the work that officers and emergency services personnel put in to try and find Luke. This was a complex search in difficult conditions, and their work is appreciated.
"I would also like to thank the members of the public who helped with the search or shared our appeal. Your help in responding to this incident is hugely appreciated."
