THE BODY of a teenage boy has been recovered from the water near Lanark.

Officers responded to a report of a concern for a person in the water on Hazelbank at around 5.55pm yesterday.

Police Scotland confirmed that emergency services attended and a body has been recovered from the river.

Formal identification has still to take place but the family of a 13-year-old boy have been made aware.

A full report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "Police were called around 5.55pm on Saturday, July 24, 2021 following the report of a concern for person in the water at Hazelbank, Lanark. 

"A multi-agency operation was launched and a body has been recovered from the river.

"Formal identification has still to take place but the family of a 13-year-old boy have been made aware.

"A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."

READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon in water warning after 'heart-breaking' deaths

Police Scotland have issued a statement reminding the public of the dangers of lochs and rivers following a number of water-related deaths across the weekend.

A 16-year-old boy named locally as Connor Markward tragically died at Balloch Country Park on Friday, July 23 after getting into difficulty in the water at around 5.55pm.

An 11-year-old boy sadly died after getting into difficulty in the water at Alexander Hamilton Memorial Park in Stonehouse at around 4.30pm yesterday.

Three people were pronounced dead and a young boy is fighting for his life after getting into difficulty in the water near Pulpit Rock, Ardlui at around 6.40pm on Saturday.

The family of a 41-year-old man, 29-year-old woman and 9-year-old boy have been made aware.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Williams said: "The number of deaths in open water this weekend is hard to comprehend and my thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those affected.

"The warm weather can make open water swimming and paddling very inviting but it is extremely dangerous, even for the most experienced swimmers or supervised children.

"The conditions can change very quickly and there are often hidden risks like deeper water and strong currents.

"The message I want to send to everyone is exercise extreme caution. It is better to keep a safe distance from water if possible. 

"Tragically, this weekend has highlighted that open water is very, very dangerous.

"If you see someone in the water and distressed call 999 immediately. Remember, you could get into difficulty yourself trying to help so please take care and seek help as soon as possible."