Search Underway for 17-Year-Old Missing After Entering Water Near Chirk Castle

North Wales Police initiated a search operation following reports of a 17-year-old male entering water near Chirk Castle in Wrexham County. The incident was reported late on Tuesday afternoon. The teenager has not been seen since entering the lake adjacent to the castle grounds.

Emergency services, including the West Midlands Ambulance Service and the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service via a Wales Air Ambulance charity helicopter, responded to the scene. Specialist search and rescue teams are actively involved in the effort to locate the missing individual. The search continues as of Wednesday.

A police spokesman stated: "Emergency services are currently responding to an incident at Chirk Castle. A 17-year-old male is believed to have entered water within the castle’s grounds yesterday afternoon and has not been seen since. " Detective Chief Superintendent Sian Beck commented on the situation, noting support for the family.

She said: “Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones, who are being supported by specially trained officers at this incredibly difficult time. We respectfully ask members of the public to avoid the Chirk Castle area while emergency services carry out their work.

” Chirk Castle, owned by National Trust Cymru, dates back to 1595 and represents over 700 years of history as the last surviving castle from its era.

The property is surrounded by five and a half acres of lawns and is located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its habitat for rare invertebrates, bats, fungi, and wild flowers. The incident took place on land neighboring the estate, with access provided through the National Trust property.

A spokesman for National Trust Cymru confirmed awareness of the event and directed all inquiries to North Wales Police. The search efforts may affect public access to the area, and authorities have requested that visitors stay away to facilitate operations. The stakes involve the safety of the missing teenager and the well-being of his family, who are receiving support from trained officers.

Broader implications include potential disruptions to local tourism at the historic site, given its popularity and protected status. Next steps depend on the search outcome, with police expected to provide updates as developments occur.