Three people feared dead in lake

Trouble began when a group member got out of their depth

Three young people have gone missing and are feared drowned in Ullswater in the Lake District.

The 15, 17, and 21-year-old males were in a group of swimmers in the lake, where one member got out of their depth on Saturday afternoon.

Another 15-year-old boy had to be pulled to safety when he and others got into trouble trying to help the swimmer out, said Cumbria Police.

Searches have been carried out by helicopter and police divers.

Coastguard officers and civilian divers have also been taking part in the operation.

Lighting equipment

Police said it was not clear whether one of the missing men was the one who originally got into trouble.

A spokesman said the men had been part of a group staying in Glenridding, a village that overlooks the lake.

"We have divers and lighting equipment at the scene, but what we can do is obviously restricted [by the darkness]," he said.

No details of the men have been released, he said, because relatives have not yet been informed.

A spokesman for HM Coastguard Liverpool, which co-ordinated the first searches, said a number of people entered the lake to try and help the swimmer who had got into trouble.

"The rescuers also got out of their depth and in trouble," he said.

"Despite extensive searches by members of the public, the coastguard, and a rescue helicopter they have not been found."