A schoolboy who vanished after going swimming in the River Mersey has been pictured today, as his family revealed how his big brother tried to save him.
Daniel Halliday, 14, disappeared at around 7pm on Sunday, June 30, after becoming separated from his friends off Crosby Beach.
It is understood the group had been swimming in the river close to the radar tower when Daniel became lost.
HM Coastguard carried out a huge search and rescue operation, but the teenager has not been located.
His family have released a photograph and a statement, as they are supported by Merseyside Police officers at this difficult time.
In a statement they said: ‘Our worst fear is that this tragic accident has taken our lovely boy from us. Daniel was jumping waves with his big brother who tried to save him but the current was too strong.
‘Daniel is a loving son, brother, cousin, nephew and grandson.
‘The family are all devastated, and we hope that we will be allowed our privacy at this time. Thank you.’
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said previously: ‘Just after 7pm emergency services received a report of a concern for safety of a 14-year-old boy who had gone swimming in the River Mersey , near to the radar tower with a group of friends.
‘His friends had come out of the river but had become separated from him and he has not been seen since.
‘The incident is ongoing and Crosby beach near to the radar tower has been cordoned off.
‘We are asking people to avoid the area at this time, whilst the emergency services, including the coastguard and North West Ambulance Service, continue searching for the missing boy.’