A 15-year-old girl tragically died after getting into difficulty in the water after a village duck race.

Abbie Walton went into the River Etherow in Broadbotton, near Manchester on Wednesday evening (June 14).

It is not known whether she jumped in or fell into the river at this time.

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Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 7.50pm to search the water.

Sadly the teenager's body was pulled from the water soon after, and she could not be revived by medics.

Police are not treating the incident as suspicious.

Her devastated family paid tribute to the “beautiful girl”, describing her as having the “kindest soul”.

According to Metro, Abbie’s school, Copley Academy said it has been “made aware of the tragic news that one of our students lost their life last night”.

The school said in a statement: “We offer our deepest sympathy to all of those involved in this tragedy.

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“Our hearts and thoughts go out to the families, loved ones, friends and local communities affected at this extremely sad time.

“Copley would like to offer our support and also the support of a specialist team.”

Tributes have poured in for the teen on social media, according to the publication, one said: “Rest in paradise to the kindest soul I know.

“I will forever cherish the time and memories we had. You were always putting a smile on my face. I love you with all of my heart, my angel.”

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Another wrote: “Rest in paradise my lifelong best friend always, forever 15. I’m so sorry, it’s a really cruel world and it took you way too early.

“I will miss you, beautiful girl. You really did not deserve this you had the most pure soul and loved everyone so much.”

Yesterday, Detective Superintendent Rebecca Boyce said: “Yesterday evening’s events are nothing short of devasting and my deepest sympathies are with the loved ones of the girl who lost her life in such awful circumstances.”

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