Drowned boy, 12, was 'life and soul of our lives'

The family of a 12-year-old who died after getting into difficulty swimming in a river have said he was their "little blue-eyed boy".

Junior Slater, from Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, Lancashire, had been swimming with friends at the River Ribble in Ribchester, at about 14:00 BST on Tuesday, Lancashire Police said.

In a tribute released by police, his family said Junior was the "life and soul of our lives" and would be "truly missed". They are being supported by specially trained officers and have asked for privacy.

In the tribute, his family said: "Our little blue-eyed boy.

"He will be truly missed. He was the life and soul of our lives.

"Words can't describe how we are feeling right now. We will forever love you Junior."

Police said his death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file would be passed in due course to the coroner.