Town's shock as body found in sea search

A small town has told of its shock after a body was found in the search for a 13-year-old boy who reportedly got into difficulty in the sea.

Emergency services were called to Hornsea, East Yorkshire, at about 18:00 BST on Tuesday.

Humberside Police said a body, believed to be that of the missing boy, was recovered at about 04:30 on Wednesday. They added the boy's family had been informed, and were being supported by officers.

Local resident Serena Loveridge said she had children the same age, and it was "gut-wrenching to think a little lad has been lost out at sea".

In a joint statement, Hornsea's town's mayor Stephen Prescott and deputy mayor Nick Cox said: "Our heartfelt condolences go to the family, friends and loved ones of the teenage boy at this incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time.

"Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this devastating loss [and] we would also like to express our sincere thanks to all the emergency services involved."

Resident Geraldine Horner said it was "very sad."

"This is on the back of [what happened] not so long ago in Withernsea, where three people died," she told the BBC.

Grace Keeling, 15, her mother Sarah Keeling, 45, and bystander Mark Ratcliffe, 67, died after being swept into rough seas by a large wave in Withernsea in January.

Meanwhile, Lynne Tomlinson, another resident, said: "We have a grandson who is a similar age.

"It's awful to think they go out there to have a bit of fun and one of them doesn't come back."

Carl Handley, from Hornsea Inshore Rescue, who was involved in the search, said everyone felt "quite deflated this morning".

"We really tried our hardest to help this young boy, but, unfortunately, it wasn't enough on this occasion," he said.

"It's been a really difficult day, but on behalf of Hornsea Rescue our thoughts are with the boy's family and friends."

Handley also referenced the Withernsea incident at the start of the year, adding: "I think this has really impacted us quite hard again."

Councillor John Whittle, from East Riding of Yorkshire Council, echoed the sentiments.

He said: "I think the feeling in Hornsea is one of shock, sadness and one of sympathy for the ones the boy has left behind.

"This, unfortunately, is almost becoming a regular tragedy up and down the coast," he said. "If there is a message from this, if you are going in the sea be careful.

"The sea looks absolutely beautiful... but that sea is a menace because it can take lives," he added.

Earlier, Ch Supt Phil Booker, from Humberside Police, said: "This is an incredibly heartbreaking outcome, and our thoughts are with the boy's family and friends at this devastating time."

Booker said: "We know the sadness and concern this will cause in the community, and we would ask that the family's privacy is respected during this incredibly difficult time.

"I would like to thank all of the emergency services involved in the search, along with members of the public for their support and cooperation."

Humberside Police said the death was not being treated as suspicious, and a file would be passed to the coroner.

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