'Vulnerable' boy, 14, who ran away from grandparents' house found dead in river
The body of a vulnerable 14-year-old boy who ran away from his grandparents' home has been found in a river in Greater Manchester, police confirmed.
Luke Howe, who police said had learning difficulties, disappeared on Thursday night and he was last seen on Bankhall Lane in Hale. A huge search operation was launched by emergency services, with crews working through the night and into the early hours.
Drones were used, as well as sniffer dogs and specialist response units. There were also dozens of people form the local community who also joined in the hunt to try and find him.
But sadly police have now said that Luke has been found in the River Bollin. "Greater Manchester Police can now confirm a body found in the River Bollin in Hale today (Friday 19 January 2024) has been identified as Luke Howe," it stated. "14-year-old Luke was reported missing from Hale at around 6.30pm yesterday evening (Thursday 18 January 2024).
"Officers and emergency services responded to a concern for welfare and searches for Luke began last night and continued into today, focusing on the River Bollin in Hale and River Mersey in South Manchester. Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, Luke was sadly recovered from the water.
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Police pictured searching the River Bollin (Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)"There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. Police identification has now taken place and is confirmed to be the body of Luke Howe, his next of kin have now been informed."
Luke's auntie Jessica Howe wrote on Facebook after the sad news: "We are so incredibly grateful for all your help and support - words are not enough. Please see the devastating update from GMP I’ve just posted. The family kindly ask you to respect their privacy at this time xxx."
Detective Inspector Rick Lees, of GMP’s Trafford Division, said: "Our condolences are with Luke’s loved ones, his friends and family in what is a truly awful time. This is a tragic case of a young teenager who has sadly died in terrible circumstances and our thoughts remain with Luke’s family.
A massive operation began when Luke went missing on Thursday night (Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)"Luke’s family are being supported by specially trained officers and ask for their privacy to be respected while they grieve their loss. I would like to praise the work that officers and emergency services personnel put in to try and find Luke. This was a complex search in difficult conditions, and their work is appreciated.
"I would also like to thank the members of the public who helped with the search or shared our appeal. Your help in responding to this incident is hugely appreciated."
Members of the public joined in the search (Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)A special Facebook page was set up as people from the local area joined the search effort and many have now offered their condolences. "So very sad RIP young man my thoughts are with his family x friends at this very sad time," said one person. Another wrote: "I am so very sorry for your loss," and a further comment said: "I’m so sorry for your loss. I truly am. Sending all of my love and condolences to you and your family."
Luke's aunt Jessica described during the search how Luke had global developmental delays and autism, which meant he had "no concept of danger". He had run away from home before, had run towards roads and previously was rescued by emergency services.
Jessica previously told the Manchester Evening News: "It's a very serious situation in that when he ran out last night he purposely ran away from the house. He's only in his school uniform. The police have been extensively involved, they've set up drones looking for him and had police dogs come out. None has been to any avail yet."
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