Boy drowns while swimming near popular picnic site

Ronalds Abele, 17, died after he was airlifted to Northampton General Hospital

A 17-year-old boy has died after getting into difficulty while swimming during the hot weather.

Ronalds Abele drowned while he was in open water at the Embankment in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, on Friday afternoon, Northamptonshire Police said.

He was airlifted to Northampton General Hospital but pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

The incident came during the hottest weekend of the year, with temperatures on Sunday expected to hit 27C (81F) in some parts of the UK and storms also expected.

Flowers were left close to the scene of the rescue

Emergency services were called just after 13:45 BST on Friday following reports a teenager had got into difficulty while swimming in open water at the Embankment.

Part of the area was sealed off, nearby roads were closed and boaters were prevented from coming into the area.

The Embankment is a popular riverside walking and picnic area and several bunches of flowers have been left in tribute.

The incident happened as temperatures in Northamptonshire rose to 22C (72F).

The Royal Life Saving Society has warned that warmer weather is directly linked to an increase in fatal drowning incidents.

Firefighters and paramedics joined the police in the operation to rescue the boy at the Embankment

Fire crews from Rushden and Irthlingborough and a specialist team from Mereway fire station joined paramedics and police in the operation to rescue the teenager.

The police said the teenager's family had "requested privacy at this very distressing time".

The Embankment is a popular riverside walking and picnic area