A DESPERATE search has been launched for a teenage boy who went missing while swimming in a reservoir.

Cops were called to the Netherton Reservoir near Dudley in the West Midlands just after 6pm on Tuesday.

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A teenage boy had been seen in the water at the reservoir, which has a maximum depth of 15metres.

Specialist teams are now searching for the boy, with a helicopter spotted hovering above the reservoir.

A couple of young men jumped in the water after the helicopter “had eyes on the casualty”.

A witness told Stourbridge News: “There are five or six police cars, at least two fire engines, an incident response unit.

“Police have sealed off Highbridge Road. There are dozens of bystanders.”

West Midlands Police said: “We and the other emergency services are doing everything we can to support all those involved.”

A spokesperson added: “We understand how distressing this is for the boy’s family.

“We’re grateful for the support offered from members of the community this evening.

“We continue to ask the public to avoid the area to allow emergency services to respond.

“Highbridge Road remains closed this evening. If you have any information, please get in touch with us quoting log 4138 of 23 July.”

At 7.30pm yesterday West Midlands Fire Service said: “A male is missing in Netherton Reservoir.

“He has been missing for over 25 minutes. The helicopter has had eyes on the casualty.

“We were called at 6.20pm. A couple of young males have jumped in to assist.”