VIDEO: Friends mourn lake victim Phillip Law

FRIENDS of tragic teenager Phillip Law gathered at the side of the lake where he drowned yesterday to remember their pal.

FRIENDS of tragic teenager Phillip Law gathered today at the side of the lake where he drowned  to remember their pal.

Youngsters laid floral tributes on the bank at Manvers Lake, which was the seen of a massive rescue operation yesterday after Phillip, of Rawmarsh, got into difficulties while swimming with two friends.

They got out of the water, but Phillip disappeared and his body was recovered later.

Phillips family paid tribute to a "much-loved son and brother" in a statement today and friends have been adding their condolences to a Facebook site in his memory and on a rotherhamadvertiser webpage (click here if you would like to add your message of condolence).

The emergency services have pleaded with youngsters not to play in rivers or lakes during the current hot weather.

Chief Insp Nev Hamilton said: “This was a really tragic accident after four friends had decided to enjoy the weather at the park.

“Our advice is that the only time you should go into water like this is at properly organised events. For people going down to have picnics and enjoy the park, it’s not safe.

“The problem you’ve got is that the water might look calm and inviting, when in reality the temperature is low and the currents are strong.”

Today, special assemblies were held at Swinton Community School, which Phillip, from Rawmarsh, attended.