A SWIMMER reported missing in the River Mersey has been confirmed as a 24-year-old man from Lowton.

Haydn Griffiths, a member of Leigh & Lowton Sailing club, was reported missing at around 10.30pm on Tuesday, July 19.

It is believed that he had been swimming in the River Mersey, close to New Brighton, attempting to swim to the windmills north of the Wirral coast.

An extensive search operation has been carried out by the RNLI, police and firefighters, led by the Coastguard.

Leigh Journal: Hoylake Lifeboat crew involved in the search (Picture: Hoylake RNLI)Hoylake Lifeboat crew involved in the search (Picture: Hoylake RNLI)

Merseyside Police have since stepped down their search for the 24-year-old, but are continuing to carry out enquiries.

A statement from the Force read:

"Haydn was last seen in the water at the Derby Pool, New Brighton, wearing dark coloured swimming shorts attempting to swim towards the windmills in the area.

"An extensive search of the river was carried out last night and today by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency but Haydn was not found and the search has now been suspended.

"Haydn is white, 6ft 1in tall, of athletic build with short blond hair and blue eyes."

Leigh Journal: Coastguards involved in the search at New Brighton (Picture: Craig Manning)Coastguards involved in the search at New Brighton (Picture: Craig Manning)

Haydn's family also travelled to Merseyside to continue their own desperate search for their loved one.

Haydn’s older sister, Megan Griffiths, took to her Instagram page to appeal for help.

She said: “For anyone doubting that he can survive that long, he is an athlete and I believe that he’s alive.

“We must find him.

“Haydn is the fittest and strongest human I know. He will be putting up a fight.

“He’s a survivor but he needs our help.”

 

Megan said she and her family have searched from Hoylake to Leasowe Castle while other parties have covered Derby Pool, New Brighton, and the fort at Seacombe.

She said: “We are continuing to comb the local beaches.

“Anyone who can help search please get down and around the Wallasey beach area

“We will find you baby bro stay strong wherever you are.”

If you see Haydn or have any information, please contact us via @MerPolCC on Twitter, 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook, 101, quoting reference 22000518807.