A rescue operation was launched at Sykes Reservoir in Alexandra Park in the Edgeley area of Stockport after reports of a man in difficulty in the water

A man has died after getting into difficulty in water at a reservoir in a park in Stockport, police have confirmed.

Police and paramedics were called at around 8.30pm on Thursday evening to reports a 49-year-old man had got into difficulty in the water.

A major emergency services response was launched at Sykes Reservoir in Alexandra Park in the Edgeley area of Stockport with police and paramedics seen lining nearby roads.

A large cordon was established around a footpath and one of the park's entrances as crews searched for the man, but tragically his body was found later that night.

Greater Manchester Police said an investigation was now underway to establish the full circumstances of the man’s death and warned the public to be aware of “the serious risks associated with open water”.

In a statement, GMP said: "The body of a man has been recovered from the water at Sykes Reservoir in Stockport. Officers were called at around 8.30pm on Thursday 9 July to reports a man had got into difficulty in the water.

"We attended alongside our emergency service colleagues from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and North West Ambulance Service. Sadly, the body of a man in his 40s was located a short time later the Manchester Evening News reports.

"Whilst formal identification has yet to take place, specialist officers are supporting the family at this difficult time."

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed firefighters were also in attendance. The tragedy came just hours after the fire service issued a stark warning about the dangers of swimming in open water.

With more hot weather forecast and the school holidays approaching, the fire service has pushed its messaging about staying safe in open water. It's understood all parents have also been offered safety messaging from local schools.

Superintendent Dave Henthorne, from GMP's Stockport district, said on Friday: "Despite the best efforts of all emergency services at the scene, the body of a 49-year-old man was recovered after an extensive search. Our thoughts are first and foremost with his family and loved ones at this tragic time.

"We are currently looking into the full circumstances of the incident however we’d like to remind people of the serious risks associated with open water. It has been extremely warm recently which is set to continue into the weekend; however, we would urge everyone to stay safe and avoid entering reservoirs, rivers, canals or ponds.

"Please take care of yourselves and each other and enjoy the warm weather safely."

The man hasn't been named and no further details have been given.

The Mirror has launched the Save Lives For Sam water safety campaign to tackle the UK's growing drowning crisis. Backed by MPs, Olympic champions, national water safety organisations and bereaved families, the campaign is calling for urgent action to make our waters safer.

That includes compulsory water safety lessons in schools, a nationwide public awareness campaign, better lifesaving equipment at high-risk waterways, the introduction of Sam's Law, and a dedicated Minister for Water Safety. Find out more about the campaign and how you can support it here.

This is a Breaking News story. You’ll be more likely to see our stories when any big news breaks in future by simply by clicking this link . You can also join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News , Flipboard , Apple News , TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads - or visit The Mirror homepage .