Helicopter sweeps Menai Strait in hunt for missing teenager

A huge search and rescue operation was launched on Friday after a person was reported to have entered the water at Menai Bridge with the search continuing today

A rescue helicopter flew over the Menai Strait in the ongoing search for a teenager who entered the water on Friday. The alarm was raised shortly before 9:45am on Friday, when it was reported that an individual had plunged into the water at Menai Bridge.

An extensive search and rescue operation was swiftly launched, involving emergency teams from the RNLI, North Wales Police, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, the Coastguard, and the Aeronautical Rescue Co-Ordination Centre. Despite their tireless efforts, emergency services were unable to locate the individual, and the search was suspended on Friday night. Additional shoreline searches have been conducted over the weekend.

Social media reports indicated that family and friends of the missing person are also assisting in the search along the shore. It is believed the missing individual is a local teenage boy.

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This afternoon, the Coastguard helicopter carried out sweeps of the Strait to aid in the search. The Coastguard confirmed they had received two reported potential sightings, reports North Wales Live.

However, upon inspection, these turned out to be false alarms with good intentions. You can get more story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.

The boy's family and friends have received hundreds of messages of support on social media, along with numerous offers of assistance in the search. People have been urged to exercise extreme caution around the coastline and not to take any risks.

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Where to get mental health help and support

Below are some of the helplines and websites that can help you:

Samaritans operates a free 24-hour phone service every day of the year. Just call 116 123 to speak to someone if you need help.

Alternatively, if you prefer to write down how you’re feeling or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans: jo@samaritans.org

PAPYRUS offers trained advisers to provide support to young people experiencing thoughts of suicide and anyone concerned for a young person. Call HOPELINE247 on 0800 068 4141 Text: 07860 039 967 or Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org”

Mind is a mental health charity that provides advice and support to anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

Among its useful support and information pages, mind shares 'ways to help yourself cope in a crisis' here

Pete's Dragons provides specialist support and advice for anyone affected by suicide in any way

You can phone the charity on 01395 277 780 or email them: admin@petesdragons.org.uk.