Major incident declared at beauty spot after two people disappear underwater

A major incident has been declared at a reservoir on the edge of the Peak District after two people disappeared underwater.

One of the pair, who were both in Dovestone Reservoir, has now been rescued and is being treated by paramedics, but the other person remains missing, said Greater Manchester Police.

Attempts are being made to find the second person with all emergency services, including the Coastguard and Mountain Rescue, currently at the scene, it added.

Visitors are being asked to stay away from the area, which is located on the edge of Oldham and the Peak District National Park, while searches are being carried out.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At shortly before 2.30pm today (Sunday October 20) fire crews were called to Dovestone Reservoir in Oldham following reports of a person in the water.

‘Three fire engines from Mossley, Stalybridge, and Eccles along with the Water Incident Unit from Leigh quickly attended the scene.

‘Crews are working alongside emergency service colleagues and remain in attendance.’

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police, said: ‘Emergency services are currently responding to reports of two people going into water at Dovestones Reservoir.

‘One person has been recovered from the water and is currently being treated by paramedics. Attempts are ongoing to locate the second person.

‘A search operation is underway with emergency services, including the Coastguard and Mountain Rescue, at the scene.

‘People are kindly asked to please avoid the area at this time.’

Meanwhile, in a separate incident 15 miles away in Salford, the body of a man has been recovered from a canal, Manchester Evening News reports.

Emergency were called to Fairbrother Street today to reports of a body in the River Irwell.

Greater Manchester Police issued a statement on X saying: ‘#INCIDENT | Emergency services are currently responding to reports of a body in water in the canal near Fairbrother Street.

‘Sadly, the body of a man has been discovered. A scene remains in place and detectives are investigating the full circumstances surrounding this incident.’

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