Pictured: Boy, 14, who vanished after going swimming with friends in the River Mersey - as his 'devastated' family reveal how his big brother tried to save him
A 'lovely' 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.
Daniel Halliday (pictured) disappeared at around 7pm on Sunday, June 30, after becoming separated from his friends off Crosby Beach
The teenager disappeared at around 7pm on Sunday after becoming separated from his friends off Crosby Beach (pictured)
The boy was last seen swimming near to the radar tower, pictured here through the gate
It is understood the group had been swimming in the river close to the radar tower when Daniel (pictured) became lost
He has been described as a 'loving son, brother, cousin, nephew and grandson'
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.
Emergency services pictured at the scene on Crosby Beach on Sunday night
A coastguard helicopter flies over Crosby Beach on Sunday night
Emergency services pictured at Crosby Beach late on Sunday
'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.'
A spokesperson from local charity An Hour For Others said they were deeply saddened at Daniel's disappearance, who was a 'big part' of their work.
They said: 'Everyone at An Hour For Others are devastated at the loss of 14yr old Daniel Halliday on Crosby beach.
'Daniel was a big part of our children's groups for the last 2 years and we shared so many amazing memories together in that time.
'Daniel was a unique little soul and always loved having a laugh with staff and kids.
'He got involved in everything and got so much from our little community, he absolutely loved going to Wales last year and we'll always remember our special 2 days.
'We are all numb at the minute trying to make sense of what's happened. We are in contact with Daniels family and will be supporting them throughout.
