GMP end search for missing Luke Howe, after he was sadly found deceased in Hale

Greater Manchester Police can now confirm a body found in the River Bollin in Hale today (Friday 19 January 2024) has been identified as Luke Howe.

14-year-old Luke was reported missing from Hale at around 6.30pm yesterday evening (Thursday 18 January 2024).

Officers and emergency services responded to a concern for welfare and searches for Luke began last night and continued into today, focusing on the River Bollin in Hale and River Mersey in South Manchester.

Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, Luke was sadly recovered from the water.

There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Police identification has now taken place and is confirmed to be the body of Luke Howe, his next of kin have now been informed.

Detective Inspector Rick Lees, of GMP’s Trafford Division, said: "Our condolences are with Luke’s loved ones, his friends and family in what is a truly awful time. This is a tragic case of a young teenager who has sadly died in terrible circumstances and our thoughts remain with Luke’s family. Luke’s family are being supported by specially trained officers and ask for their privacy to be respected while they grieve their loss. I would like to praise the work that officers and emergency services personnel put in to try and find Luke. This was a complex search in difficult conditions, and their work is appreciated. I would also like to thank the members of the public who helped with the search or shared our appeal. Your help in responding to this incident is hugely appreciated."