Girl Still Fighting For Her Life After Formby Beach Incident As Police Appeal For Witnesses

A 15 year old girl is still fighting for her life in a critical condition after getting into difficulties in the water at Formby beach on Bank Holiday Monday, 26 May.

Merseyside Police are now appealing for witnesses to come forward following the tragic incident which happened at around 3.30pm while thousands of people had flooded Formby beach during the Bank Holiday sunshine.

A major emergency response was launched involving police, HM Coastguard, RNLI, paramedics, the air ambulance and several emergency service vehicles. However, emergency crews faced huge delays trying to reach the scene due to severe traffic congestion across Formby, with roads completely gridlocked and traffic backlogged throughout the area.

Eyewitnesses described dramatic scenes as emergency services desperately tried to get through the traffic while members of the public rushed into action to help the girl before crews arrived.

The teenager was taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital where she remains in a critical condition.

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Nuttall said officers are now urgently appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information which could assist enquiries to get in touch as a matter of urgency.

He also praised the members of the public who came to the assistance of the girl and her family during the traumatic incident.

Police say enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding what happened and officers continue to support the family.

Merseyside Police, alongside Sefton Council, National Trust, HM Coastguard and the RNLI, are also reminding people to take extra care around the coastline and to always check tide times and lifeguard advice before entering the water.

Drivers are also being urged to park responsibly and avoid blocking roads and emergency access routes as emergency services need clear access during incidents.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police quoting incident reference 26000414460.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the young girl and her family and we are all hoping for a full recovery.