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Det Ch Insp Louise Jenkins said it was an "extremely tragic incident where a boy has sadly lost his life".

Det Insp Calum Meikle said he immediately recognised the voice of the caller to be Mr Graham, with investigations revealing Mr Graham's phone had called the police's 101 number at that exact time.

Ch Insp David Mather said: "This is a tragic discovery and our thoughts are with this boy's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."

"While work is now under way to understand how the boy came into difficulty, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight this case as a reminder of the devastating consequences of entering open water," Ch Insp Mather added.

Chief Insp Chris Barnes, from Merseyside Police, said rolling road closures would be in place to accommodate the parade, with some disruption inevitable.