Tragedy as girl, 11, dies at Cornwall beauty spot

An 11-year-old girl has died at a beauty spot in Cornwall after an incident in the water. Emergency services rushed to Wacker Quay, near Torpoint on the River Lynher, at around 6pm on Saturday after receiving reports of a person in the water. The girl, from South Devon, was rescued and given emergency treatment, but sadly died at the scene.

Devon and Cornwall Police said her death is not being treated as suspicious and that her next of kin has been informed and will be supported by officers. A spokesperson added: "A file will be prepared for the coroner."

The search team included members of the Coast Guard and fire brigade, Plymouth Plus reports, making it one of the largest multi-agency responses in the area in years.

The outlet also recounted how crews worked into the night in dark and difficult, muddy conditions, setting up floodlights and privacy screens along the shoreline.

An unnamed member of the public told Cornwall Live: "I saw several fire engines and vans, police cars and several coastguard vehicles [as well as] what appeared to be ribs being launched on the water.

"Later, we saw a helicopter going over. You couldn't see the incident, as you can't see the water from the road, but there was plenty of activity."

Wacker Quay, a small quay on an inlet of the River Lynher in southeast Cornwall, is a popular destination for walkers, anglers and campers and sits close to the small village of Anthony and near the Tamar Valley, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

However, the beauty spot's remote rural location and limited access points can make rescue operations difficult, according to local reports.