People 'heartbroken' as body found after search for missing schoolboy
Daniel Halliday went missing after jumping waves in Crosby beach
People have shared their heartbreak after a body was found in the search for a missing teenager.
The body was found by HM Coastguard off New Brighton, Wirral on Monday, July 8. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a large emergency services presence in New Brighton, including police, the RNLI and HM Coastguard.
In an update today, a spokesperson for Merseyside Police said the body has not yet been formally identified, but officers remain in contact with the family of Daniel Halliday, 14, who went missing at Crosby beach on Sunday, June 30.
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Daniel was jumping waves on Crosby beach with his big brother when he went missing. A large wave reportedly took them off their feet, and although Daniel's brother tried desperately to save him, he wasn't able to reach him.
Dozens of ECHO readers sent messages of support to Daniel's family after it was confirmed a body had been found. Writing on the ECHO's Facebook page Pat Mcgrath said: "Thinking of the family who will be devastated."
Grace Becca added: "So sad and heartbreaking, sending love to all." Julie Mullineux also said: "So sad, thinking of all the family and friends." Catherine Brooks said: "Thinking of the family."
Emergency services attended the scene at around 7pm, with a huge response from police, fire and rescue services, the coastguard and the RNLI. On Monday, July 1, the coastguard confirmed the search has been stood down after 15 hours.
Daniel's family are being supported by specially trained Merseyside Police officers. On Monday, July 2, they released a moving statement paying tribute to their son. It 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.”
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