THE “devastated” family of a 14-year-old schoolboy who vanished while playing with his brother in a river have shared an agonising plea.
Daniel Halliday became separated from pals before disappearing around 7pm on Sunday – with cops having cordoned off part of Crosby Beach.
Daniel’s family issued a photograph and statement today and are being supported by specially trained Merseyside Police officers.
The heartbreaking statement read: “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.”
His family have asked for privacy at this difficult time.
Daniel is understood to have been swimming with friends near the radar tower before getting separated from the group.
Merseyside Police said the rest of the group had come out of the river but realised they had become separated from the teenager and had not seen him since.
A search was carried out by HM Coastguard but the teenager was unable to be found.
The search was centred around an area between the beach and marine lake.
It involved the coastguard, police, fire and rescue units, helicopters and the ambulance service.
The major operation, which ran overnight and into the morning, was stood down at 10am yesterday
