Huge search under way for 15-year-old swept away by river

The teenager got into difficulty near the Gannochy Bridge at around 5pm on July 15 and the alarm was raised.

Huge search under way for 15-year-old swept away by River North Esk near Edzell iStock

A search is under way for a 15-year-old boy who was swept away by the River North Esk in Angus on Saturday evening.

The teenager got into difficulty near the Gannochy Bridge near Edzell at around 5pm on July 15 and the alarm was raised.

A huge emergency response  was sparked including police fire and coastguard teams from Aberdeen, Arbroath, Montrose and Stonehaven along with a helicopter which rushed to the scene.

The search remains ongoing on Sunday and the boy’s next of kin have been made aware.

A road closure between Fettercairn and Edzell is in place while the search operation is under way.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Police were made aware of a 15-year-old boy in difficulty in the water in the River North Esk near Gannochy Bridge, Edzell, around 5.10pm on Saturday, July 15, 2023.

“Emergency services remain in attendance and searches are ongoing. The boy’s next of kin are aware.”

An SFRS spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 5.03pm on Saturday July 15 to a person in difficulty at Blue Door River Walk, Edzell.

“Operations Control mobilised three fire appliances and specialist resources to the area.

“Crews remained at the scene until 10.51pm on Saturday.”

The HM Coastguard has been contacted for comment.

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