Family of missing Daniel Halliday have heartbreaking message | UK

The family of a 14-year-old boy who has been missing for almost 48 hours fear he is dead after he was last seen in the River Mersey. Daniel Halliday was last seen at 7pm on Sunday as he entered the water.

Despite a large-scale search by Her Majesty’s Coastguard of the river and surrounding area, the boy has not been found. His family have since released a statement and a photo.

In a statement, they said: “Our greatest fear is that this tragic accident has taken our sweet boy from us. Daniel was jumping the waves with his big brother who was trying to save him but the current was too strong.

“Daniel is a loving son, brother, cousin, nephew and grandson. The family is devastated and we hope we can have some privacy at this time. Thank you.”

His family are currently receiving support from specially trained Merseyside Police officers.

A Merseyside Police spokesperson said earlier: “Just after 7pm, emergency services received a report of concern for the safety of a 14-year-old boy who had gone swimming in the River Mersey near 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 the radar tower, has been cordoned off.

“We are asking people to avoid the area at this time while emergency services, including the Coastguard and North West Ambulance Service, continue to search for the missing boy.”

A spokesperson for local charity An Hour For Others, which Daniel worked with, said they were deeply saddened by his passing.

They said: “Everyone at An Hour For Others is devastated by the loss of 14-year-old Daniel Halliday on Crosby Beach. Daniel has played a huge part in our children’s groups over the last two years and we have shared so many incredible memories together during this time.

“Daniel was a unique little soul and always loved to laugh with the staff and children.

“He got involved in everything and learned so much about our little community, he absolutely loved going to Wales last year and we will always remember our special two days.

“We are all numb right now, trying to understand what happened. We are in contact with Daniel’s family and will support them throughout the event.”