Missing person search mounted at Rother Valley Country Park - police statement in full

Emergency services are involved in a missing person search at Rother Valley Country Park which will carry on into the evening.

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Police, firefighters and ambulances were deployed to the popular park in Rotherham, close to the Sheffield border, just before 7pm on Bank Holiday Monday.

Residents living close by said they had seen at least seven fire engines, 10 police cars and multiple ambulances en-route to the park at around 8.15pm.

A helicopter has also been hovering over the park.

It has now been confirmed emergency services are involved in a missing person search after a teenage boy was seen getting into the water but not getting out.

A South Yorkshire Police statement says: “We were called to Rother Valley Country Park at 6.50pm today (Monday 25 May) following reports that a teenage boy had entered the water but had not been seen getting out.

“Officers are in attendance alongside emergency crews from South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Yorkshire Ambulance Service and efforts are ongoing to try and find him.

“The search is continuing into the night and updates will be provided as soon as possible.”

Rother Valley Country Park is always popular at bank holidays, particularly during spells of good weather.

Large groups of friends and families regular gather there.

Emergency services are trying to clear the park of bystanders.

Police cars and fire engines are located on land close to the new restaurant which recently opened at the park and the bike hire unit.

A South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue spokesperson added: “Fire crews were called to Rother Valley Country Park at 6.50pm today following reports that a teenage boy had entered the water but had not been seen getting out.

“This is a multi-agency incident and efforts are ongoing to find him.

“The search is continuing into the night and updates will be provided as soon as possible.”