A SEARCH for a teenager who was reported to have gone missing in a lake in Thurrock is set to continue today.

Essex Police were called shortly before 9pm, on Friday, July 31, following reports of a missing 15-year-old boy.

According to the force, officers were told the teenager had gone missing in the Alexandra Lake, near the Lakeside Shopping Centre.

Firefighters from Grays, Corringham, Orsett, and Leigh fire stations also attended the scene, alongside the service's Urban Search and Rescue Team.

The crews assisted police in searching the lake, but the operation has now been left in hands of Essex Police, who are continuing to search for the missing boy.

Superintendent Craig Saunders said: “Our investigation has identified that he was last seen at around 8.50pm, on the lake. 

“We will be working with specialist search teams to carry out an extensive search of the lake and surrounding area today.

“We ask that you please avoid the area, as we continue our search.

“If anyone has any dashcam, CCTV or mobile phone footage from the area last night please call us on 101 quoting incident 1441 of 31 July."