'Bubbly' schoolgirl, 15, dies after getting into difficulty in water at popular beach

A teenage girl has tragically lost her life after getting into difficulty in the water at Formby beach.

Emergency services were called to the shore on Albert Road at approximately 3.30pm on Bank Holiday Monday (May 25) following concerns raised over the safety of a 15-year-old girl.

Witnesses told Merseyside Police they believed the youngster had got into difficulty in the water, a force spokesperson confirmed. She was rushed to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in a critical condition.

Merseyside Police released a statement on Saturday, May 30, identifying the girl as Chiedza Nyanjowa.

A force spokesperson said: "Chiedza Nyanjowa, who is from the Cheshire area, was taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital where she sadly passed away earlier today, Saturday May 30."

In a tribute, her family said: "Her family would like to express their gratitude to everyone that helped Chiedza.", reports Liverpool ECHO.

"Her family are glad that there were people around her to support her, their support shows that she was loved.

"This is a difficult time for the family, who would appreciate any form of prayer.

"Her family describe her as a bubbly person, she loved Christ and going to church. She loved cooking, she was a giver and wanted to be nurse when she grew up so she could give back.

"She will be greatly missed and remembered for her kind spirit."

The matter has been referred to Sefton Coroner's office. On Thursday, the ECHO reported how two off-duty nurses attempted to assist Chiedza after rescuers pulled her from the water.

It is understood the two nurses had been in the sea themselves before rushing over to offer assistance. National Trust staff were also reported to have arrived at the scene, followed by the lifeguard, while the two nurses carried out CPR on the teenager.

A person close to one of the nurses involved told the ECHO: "[They] are the ones who gave life saving treatment on the beach for 30 minutes until the air ambulance arrived. They are both nurses."

The force confirmed that officers are continuing to support the family while enquiries remain ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

DCI Nuttall said: "We know that Formby beach was exceptionally busy on Bank Holiday Monday but I would appeal for anyone who witnessed this incident or has any information which could assist our enquiries to get in touch as a matter of urgency.

"Our officers and I would also like to offer our gratitude to the members of the public who came to the assistance of the 15-year-old girl and her family during such tragic circumstances on Formby beach."