Tragedy in River Eden sparks outpouring of grief and sympathy

An outpouring of grief and sympathy for the families of the boys met the news on Saturday, alongside renewed pleas for water safety awareness.

Emergency services were first called at 6.41pm on Friday evening to reports that four teenage boys had got into trouble while swimming in the Eden in the Rosehill area.

One of the group managed to swim to safety, while another was rescued safely by a member of the public. Both were checked over by medical professionals.

But a third boy, aged 14, was flown to hospital in critical condition, and a fourth boy, aged 15, was missing, sparking a multi-agency search of the river.

Multiple emergency services responded to the incident (Image: Supplied)

The search continued into the next day, Saturday, with police, fire crews and search and rescue teams on site on a stretch of the river to the east of the city centre.

It was mid-afternoon when police confirmed that the body of a boy had tragically been found, shortly after 1.30pm.

The 15-year-old has been named as Lewis Michael Kirkpatrick from Carlisle.

Police said that the 14-year-old remained in hospital in critical condition on Sunday morning.

Chief Superintendent Lisa Hogan, Cumbria Constabulary, said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.

Fire and rescue vehicles by the river Eden near the Toby Carvery (Image: NQ Staff)

“An extensive search operation has taken place since the incident was reported.

"The search activity was assisted by emergency services, search and rescue teams, and specialist search professionals from Cumbria and from outside the county."

The new was met with a huge outpouring of sympathy from Carlisle residents. "Devastating news for his family and friends," one said. "Thoughts are with them. RIP young man, taken too soon."

"As neighbours and friends we are truly heartbroken for the family, our thoughts are with them," said another. "And also in our thoughts are our neighbours and friends whose boy is still critical in hospital."

Speaking on Saturday morning, Mayor of Carlisle Abdul Harid said: “The community is feeling absolutely devastated.

"My thoughts are with the families concerned."

He added that there needs to be increased public awareness of the dangers of swimming in open water, particularly during heat waves.

Carlisle Utd fans at the play-off final at Wembley on Sunday paid emotional tribute to Lewis with a minute's applause during the 15th minute of the game.