Police were called to Alexandra Park in Stockport on Thursday nightPaul Britton, James Holt Senior Live and Breaking News Reporter and Chris Slater
10:47, 10 Jul 2026
Police at Skyes Reservoir in Alexandra Park in Edgeley, Stockport
A man aged 49 has sadly died after getting into difficulty in a reservoir at a park, police have confirmed.
A major emergency services response was launched at Alexandra Park in the Edgeley area of Stockport on Thursday night. In a statement, police said emergency services were called at around 8.30pm.
Police and paramedics were seen lining Dale Street, close to the entrance of Alexandra Park, and Sykes Reservoir there, as a rescue operation was launched. A large cordon was established around a footpath and one of the park’s entrances.
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Tragically, the man’s body was found later that night. GMP confirmed an investigation was now underway to establish the full circumstances, but the public should 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.
A police officer at the scene(Image: Manchester Evening News)
“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.
“Whilst formal identification has yet to take place, specialist officers are supporting the family at this difficult time.”
Alexandra Park, Edgeley(Image: Manchester Evening News)
The tragedy is the latest water death to hit Greater Manchester during the recent spell of hot weather and heatwaves.
A 15 year-old boy died after he went into the River Irwell with friends at Clifton Country Park in Salford on June 27 and on the same weekend, another 15 year-old boy died at Cowbury Reservoir in Stalybridge, Tameside. A woman also died in the water in Bury on the same weekend.
‘Please stay safe’
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.
Sykes Reservoir(Image: MEN)
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.