SWIMMERS are being warned to take care when taking a dip in the water during the UK’s heatwave, following the death of a young girl.

Police said the public needs to be vigilant to the dangers of drowning, especially parents with children, with more people likely to be out near water during the hot weather.

Today is set to be the hottest day of the year with temperatures set to hit 29C in Bolton.

The warning comes after a 12-year-old drowned in the River Irwell on Thursday night. Police were called just before 8pm, with concerns for the welfare of the girl, who was last seen in the river close to Dunster Road, in Bury.

Underwater search teams searched the river and found the body of a 12-year-old girl.

Specially trained officers are supporting the child’s family. Police do not believe there to be any suspicious circumstance and have warned people to avoid swimming in freshwater.

Detective Inspector Andrew Naismith, of GMP’s Bury district, said: “This is an incredibly tragic incident in which a young girl has lost her life, and my thoughts are with her family at this devastating time.

“We have a team of detectives working on this, but there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances at this time.

“With the warmer weather, it’s tempting to go into the water to cool off, but I’d like to remind everyone of the dangers of playing near or swimming in rivers, lakes and reservoirs and would strongly urge against this.”

Stewart Hall has lived in the area near the river for more than 10 years.

He said he had seen a helicopter circling the area on Thursday night but had not realised what happened until a neighbour told him this morning.

The 50-year-old called the incident “harrowing”.

He added: “It’s really bad for this to happen to a girl that young.”

Anyone with information should contact 0161 856 8172 quoting reference number 2154 of 27/06/19 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Area Manager Damian O’Rourke said: “When it comes to swimming in open water, our message is simple – don’t do it. We know that when it is hot it can be tempting, but is not worth the risk.

“Please go out and enjoy the sunny weather this weekend but don’t put your own or anyone else’s safety at risk. If someone does get into trouble, don’t try and rescue them yourself, but dial 999.”

Earlier this week, two men died in Devon after getting swept up in the strong currents in the English Channel near Torbay.

Every year around 50 people die as a result of accidental drowning across the UK. Even strong and confident swimmers can struggle and drown after jumping into cold and unpredictable seas, rivers, canals and lakes, where temperatures can be as low as 15C in the summer – half that of swimming pools which are typically heated to around 30C.