Boy who drowned at lakes named as school leaver

Tributes have been paid to a 16-year-old school leaver who died after getting into difficulty while swimming with his friends.

Dishone Lloyd was found dead a day after being reported missing at Burnside Lakes, in the Cherry Hinton area of Cambridge, on 12 August.

The youngster had recently completed his GCSEs at Mark Hall Academy in Harlow, Essex.

"The suddenness of this tragic loss is a stark reminder of just how precious and fragile life can be," said headteacher Matt Carter.

Emergency workers found his body at about 13:00 on 13 August, having been searching for him since the previous evening.

He had been swimming with friends on the hottest day of the year when he got into trouble, Cambridgeshire Police said.

Mr Carter said the school community was "shocked and saddened" to hear what happened.

He added the youngster's "spirit, laughter and enjoyment of life" was enjoyed by his peers.

"Dishone was not just a student at Mark Hall, he was a cherished member of our family and community," a statement on the school's website read.

"He brought positivity and warmth to those who knew him, and his presence was felt throughout our academy."

Mr Carter added Dishone had successfully completed his secondary education and "had a bright future ahead of him".

He said counselling services would be on offer for those collecting their GCSE exam results on Thursday.

Following the incident, people living near the lakes told the BBC that previous safety concerns had not been acted upon.

Sue Wells, chair of Friends of Cherry Hinton Brook, which looks after areas close to the lakes, said warnings were "not taken seriously" and it was time to take action to prevent more deaths.

Rob Dryden, the Cambridge City Council member for the area, added: "We've been trying for years to do things... but they're getting round it."

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