Boy, 15, dies after being rescued from Ashton Canal Published duration 23 January

image caption It is believed the boy fell into the water after trying to jump over Fairfield Lock

A 15-year-old boy who was rescued from a canal has died.

Declan McNally was pulled from the Ashton Canal in Droylsden, Tameside, at about 18:00 GMT on Wednesday.

Police, firefighters and paramedics were called to Fairfield Lock where crews used specialist equipment to rescue the teenager, who was taken to hospital but later died.

It is believed Declan had been with three girls and a boy when he tried to jump over the lock in Buckley Street.

A friend who was at the lock with Declan said he urged him not to jump.

"It was shocking to see, we tried our best but the water is dangerous," he added. "We all said 'don't do it, don't do it'.

"He was very caring and would make sure his friends were fine. It is very sad."

Droylsden Academy said Declan would be "greatly missed".

"Our pastoral team is providing support to the school community and we are helping one another through this very difficult time," the teenager's school said in a statement.

"Declan was popular and had many close friends. We will, with the permission of the family, set up an appropriate and lasting tribute or memorial to Declan."

Four fire crews, including the water incident unit from Eccles, spent an hour at the scene.

"Upon arrival the casualty was rescued from the water and was taken to hospital by the North West Ambulance Service," a Greater Manchester Fire Service spokesman said.