Body found in the River Mersey

A body has been found in the Mersey, police confirmed this evening.

The body was found by HM Coastguard off New Brighton, Wirral, earlier this evening, July 8. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a large emergency services presence in New Brighton, including police, the RNLI and HM Coastguard.

While the body has not yet been formally identified, police said they are in contact with the family of 14 year old Daniel Halliday, who went missing in the River Mersey on Sunday, 30 June.

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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.

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.”

This evening, the Merseyside Police Force Incident Manager told the ECHO: “We can confirm that a body has been found by the Coastguard off New Brighton, tonight, Monday 8 July.

"Although the body has not yet been formally identified, officers remain in contact with the family of Daniel Halliday, 14, who went missing at Crosby beach on Sunday, 30 June.”

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