Following reports of a 17-year-old boy missing after entering a tarn in the Lake District and seen struggling in the water, a body has been discovered during the search operation.

Cumbria Police were alerted by a member of the public around 12.30pm on Tuesday regarding a distress call at High Dam Tarn near Lake Windermere. The public was advised to avoid the area as a large-scale rescue effort was mobilized, involving Cumbria Police, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, North West Ambulance Service, HM Coastguard, and local mountain rescue teams.

On Tuesday evening, Cumbria Police confirmed the discovery of a body, stating that the death was not considered suspicious.

Superintendent Patrick O’Hara expressed condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, commending the collaborative efforts of the rescue team. He also acknowledged the assistance provided by local farmers in facilitating the transportation of first responders and equipment to the search location.

High Dam Tarn, a man-made lake popular among hikers and visitors in the Lake District, was the focal point of the incident. In an earlier statement, the police reported: “A distress call was received by Cumbria Constabulary at 12:32pm from a member of the public regarding an individual in distress in the water at High Dam Tarn.”

“Following this, a joint rescue operation was launched involving teams from Cumbria Constabulary, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, North West Ambulance Service, HM Coastguard, and local Mountain Rescue Teams.

“The 17-year-old male who entered the water is currently unaccounted for. Multiple teams are actively conducting shoreline, surface, and sub-surface searches at the scene.”