A TEEN boy who vanished in his school uniform has sadly been pulled from a river, police confirmed.
Luke Howe, 14, disappeared from his grandparents’ home in Hale in Trafford just before 6.15pm yesterday.
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A huge search was launched for the schoolboy, who was described as “extremely vulnerable” due to his global developmental delays and autism.
Drones and police dogs were focusing around the River Bollin in Hale and River Mersey in South Manchester.
Tragically, Greater Manchester Police confirmed today Luke’s body has been recovered from the water.
The force said there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
Officers also confirmed identification has taken place and Luke’s next of kin have 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.”
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