West Yorkshire Police have confirmed that a body has been recovered in the search for a missing teenage girl who fell into Baitings Reservoir, near Ripponden, on Wednesday afternoon.
Tragic Discovery After Extensive Search
Emergency services were called to the scene at 1.17pm on Wednesday, 28 May, following reports that a teenage girl had entered the water and not resurfaced. A multi-agency response was quickly launched, involving West Yorkshire Police, fire and ambulance crews, and a specialist underwater search team.
On Thursday afternoon, the body of a girl was located and recovered from the reservoir. While formal identification is still pending, police believe the body is that of the missing teenager, and her family has been notified and is being supported.
Police Statement and Investigation
Detective Inspector Laura Hall of Calderdale’s Safeguarding Team issued the following statement:
“While formal identification is yet to take place, the girl’s family have been informed and are being supported by specially-trained officers.
My thoughts go out to her family and friends at this very sad time.
Our enquiries are continuing into the death in order to establish exactly what happened yesterday, but we do not believe it to be suspicious.”
The reservoir, located near Ripponden in Calderdale, is a popular but potentially hazardous site, with safety signage in place warning of deep and cold waters.
Community Response and Ongoing Investigation
The incident has caused widespread grief within the local community, with many taking to social media to express condolences and support for the girl’s family.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant information to contact West Yorkshire Police via 101, quoting incident reference for 28 May 2025.
