The family of a teenager who disappeared while playing in the River Mersey have said their “worst fear is that this tragic accident has taken our lovely boy from us”.
Daniel Halliday, 14, was jumping waves with his elder brother and a group of friends on Sunday when the current swept him downstream, Merseyside Police say.
He became separated from the group near the radar tower off Crosby Beach, Waterloo, and has not been seen since.
Police received a report of his disappearance at around 7pm. Despite the help of the coastguard, he has still not been found.
The search for him was stood down at 10am on Monday.
On Tuesday, Daniel’s family published a photo of him alongside a statement.
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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.”
Specialist officers from Merseyside Police are supporting the family while inquiries continue.