Police search for teenager missing at Staffordshire lake

  • Published
Police officers gathered next to a fire engine
Image caption,
Search teams are looking for the boy alongside colleagues from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service

Police are searching for a boy who has gone missing at a lake in Staffordshire.

Emergency services were called to Rudyard Lake, near Leek, at about 21:30 GMT on Saturday, after three boys were spotted in the water.

Two of the boys managed to get out and were taken to hospital, Staffordshire Police said.

But search teams are looking for the third boy alongside colleagues from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The trio were believed to be about 17 years old, police added.

Image caption,
Rudyard Lake was cordoned off to the public

The Rudyard Lake Trust said the water and surrounding area would be shut off to pedestrians and vehicles until further notice.

The site's car park and facilities have also closed to the public.

Image caption,
A search is under way for a boy believed by police to be 17

The lake is home to Rudyard Sailing Club which provides water sports activities.

Jane Hill, a senior club member, said of the water: "It goes very, very deep, very, very, quickly.

"In one step, you can be up to your neck, where you were previously in ankle-deep water."

Ms Hill added that people should not go into the water in cold temperatures without thermal protection.

Image caption,
Jane Hill said the lake was deceptively deep and carried extra peril in cold conditions

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