'It's terrible': Reaction from Netherton residents as a community came together in reservoir search for missing teenager
Residents shared their sorrow as a search operation was under way today to find a 16-year-old boy who went missing while swimming in a reservoir.
Emergency services descended on the scene of Netherton Reservoir, near Dudley after receiving reports of a teenager getting into difficulty while swimming at around 6pm on Tuesday.
Specialist water teams from Nottinghamshire were seen entering the site to assist in the search for the missing 16-year-old, with a police search boat also on the scene to assist with the efforts.
Tragically, the body of a teenage boy was recovered from the water shortly before 11.30am today.
Before the discovery, residents spoke of their sorrow at the major search operation, saying that they "can't imagine what the family are going through".
Sarah Latham, 40, from Knowle Hill Road, said: "It's terrible. I really can't imagine what the family must be going through. I heard that they are at the reservoir now. It must be so hard for them.
"Obviously when the officers blocked off the road to the reservoir we knew something bad had happened. But we didn't realise that someone had gone missing. It's terrible."
Trevor Price, 51, from Highbridge Road, said: "It's terrible really. You have to feel bad for the family. We don't know what's happened as far as anyone being found, but you can only hope.
"I know the teen went missing in the lake but, we can only hope that he is actually okay."
Drone operation is restricted
Drone operation around the search site was restricted with officers on the scene saying the restriction was to stop images appearing on social media.
During the search, an officer on the scene said: "We have stopped drone operation for the time being. The last thing we want is for images that people have taken to appear on social media."
The drone restriction fell onto the air space directly above the reservoir.
"This is heartbreaking."
As well as West Midlands Police, West Midlands Fire Service were also on the scene assisting with the search efforts, sending a number of fire engines, a 4x4 brigade response vehicle, a water rescue specialist and an aerial drone.
The fire service also revealed that two other youngsters had jumped into the water to help search for the 16-year-old as emergency service scrambled to the scene.
During the search operation, area manager Marc Hudson, of the West Midlands Fire Service, said that his "thoughts and prayers" were with the family and the local community at this difficult time.
Speaking at the time, Mr Hudson said: "This is heartbreaking for the family and friends of the missing boy. They, and the local community, are in our thoughts and prayers.
"In spite of the extensive multi-agency search, which continued into the night, as of 8am Wednesday morning the boy had yet to be found. We have been using all of the available resources at our disposal, including a specialist submersible drone from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.
"Whatever the circumstances surrounding the boy’s disappearance, this incident is a stark reminder of the dangers of open water – especially as the summer holidays get underway.
"We are asking everyone to take extra care near reservoirs, lakes, rivers and canals. Although the water might appear tempting and safe, it can be extremely cold. The currents are often too strong for even the best swimmers, and there can be hidden objects and dangers below the surface.
“We continue to support the ongoing search, but are urging everyone to know the dangers of open water and not to enter it.”
The search operation followed another incident at the reservoir only two-months-ago where the body of 28-year-old Terrianne Thompson was sadly pulled from the water.