Body found in river following desperate search for missing 14-year-old Luke Howe

A body has been found in the River Bollin in the search for a vulnerable 14-year-old boy who went missing in Trafford. Luke Howe, who police said had learning difficulties in a public appeal, went missing from his grandparents' home in Hale just before 6.15pm yesterday (Thursday, January 18).

He was last seen on Bankhall Lane, police said. A huge search operation was launched by emergency services, with crews working through the night and into the early hours. Drones were used, as well as sniffer dogs and specialist response units.

Pictures showed the North West Underwater Police search team wading through the River Bollin in Hale this morning - metres from where the schoolboy was last seen. Dozens of members of the public rallied together and scoured areas near water and woodland in Trafford and neighbouring south Manchester for any signs of Luke.

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The River Mersey was also searched in south Manchester. Sadly, in an update issued this evening (Friday), police said a body had been found - and the search called off. The body has now been identified by police as Luke's.

There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death, the force added. Luke's next of kin have 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