POLICE, fire and rescue and ambulance service personnel were called to the River Arrow in Redditch at just before 1230 today following reports of a 15 year old boy in difficulties in the water. 

The boy had been swimming in the river with friends. Police officers who attended entered the water and searched for some time, together with specialist officers from the fire and rescue service, who recovered the boy. 

Immediate medical attention was administered at the scene and later at the Alexandra hospital. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, the boy was pronounced dead later in the afternoon.

Police and other agencies are conducting enquiries into the circumstances of the tragedy and a report is being prepared for the coroner. 

The deceased has been named as Richard Fellows, 15 years old, a schoolboy from the Brockhill area of Redditch.

Superintendent Kevin Purcell North Worcestershire Police Commander said "Our thoughts are with the family of Richard after this tragic incident and we would pass on their request to respect the family's wishes for privacy at this time."