THE body of a 16-year-old boy has been recovered from the Leeds Liverpool Canal.
The teenager's body was found on Saturday evening after reports that he entered the water at Empire Way in Burnley on Saturday afternoon.
Emergency services were called to Empire Way at 4.20pm before a search was undertaken of the canal and surrounding area.
READ: 'Life is just too cruel': Tributes to boy who died in canal on hottest day of year
At approximately 7.17pm, a body was recovered from the water, thought to be that of the 16-year-old, who has been named locally as Preston McNally.
A police spokesperson said: "We were called to Empire Way, Burnley, at 4.20pm on Saturday, September 9, to reports that a teenage boy had entered the water in the Leeds-Liverpool canal.
"The emergency services attended and a search was undertaken of the canal and surrounding area.
"Very sadly at approximately 7.17pm, a body was recovered from the water.
"A 16-year-old boy was pronounced deceased at the scene and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this distressing time.
"Our enquiries are ongoing and a file will be passed to HM Coroner in due course."
Tributes have been pouring in on Facebook for the youngster.
His elder sister, Lauren Saddington, who is a TikToker and owns party business, More Than Just a Princess, said: "Oh my darling boy. My heart is broken. You didn’t deserve this and our family didn’t deserve this.
"You were so loved and you made every person laugh so much!
"It was only days ago you chipped your front tooth (I’ve heard you still had four girls around you).
"I am so sorry you have been taken from us, I’m sorry for us all but especially your mum and dad and my dad too.
"Your sisters, your aunties, your cousins, your nannies…we’re all going to miss you so much.
"My heart aches and I don’t know how we will ever come to terms with losing you.
"Forever 16 and forever in our hearts. Preston McNally
"Love you always… from your biggest sis x."
Community answers
Book of Condolence - Preston McNally
"A book of condolence to leave tributes to Burnley teenager Preston McNally, who died in Burnley over the weekend"
We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.
Leave your tribute to Preston hereI'm so so sorry you've lost your son brother and grandson in such sad circumstances my heart goes out to you all rip preston I didn't no you but I know you will be sadly missed every day
Leave your tribute to Preston hereMy beautiful nephew, you was to young to leave this world, words can’t describe how much we will miss you! Love you so much baby boy forever 16 ❤️
Leave your tribute to Preston hereSo so sad RIP lad sincere condolences to all of your heartbroken family and friends xxx
Leave your tribute to Preston hereMay you rest in peace gods gained another angle god bless 😢💔🙏
Book of Condolence - Preston McNally
A book of condolence to leave tributes to Burnley teenager Preston McNally, who died in Burnley over the weekend
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