Heartbreak as two young girls from same school die less than a year apart in water-related tragedies

A community has been left in mourning once again after two girls from the same school died in water-related tragedies less than a year apart.

Abbie Walton, 15, has been named as the latest victim after emergency service descended on the River Etherow near Hodge Lane, in Broadbottom in Tameside on Wednesday night (June 14).

The youngster was sadly pronounced dead despite the best efforts of paramedics, after police were called to reports of a person in difficulty in the water.

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Tributes have poured in for the teenager, described as having the 'kindest soul,' who attended Copley Academy in Stalybridge.

In a message posted on social media this afternoon (Thursday), the school said: "Copley Academy have been made aware of the tragic news that one of our students lost their life last night. We offer our deepest sympathy to all of those involved in this tragedy.

"Our hearts and thoughts go out to the families, loved ones, friends and local communities affected at this extremely sad time. Copley would like to offer our support and also the support of a specialist team."

Abbie's death comes less than a year after another Copley Academy student - Lucy Smith - drowned after trying to help a friend who got into difficulty at an angling pond in Stalybridge.

Lucy Smith died on August 15 last year in the 'tragic accident.'

An inquest at Stockport Coroners' Court earlier this year heard the fellow Copley Academy student and a group of friends went to Carrbrook Angling ponds - around six miles away from where Abbie died.

Detective Inspector Steven Horton from GMP told the inquest it had been a particularly hot day. The group started playing in the