Teenager goes missing while canoeing in Lake District

A canoeist was feared drowned today after failing to resurface in the Lake District.

The canoeist, believed to be in his late teens, was not seen after entering the water around 200 metres from the shore on Ullswater lake.

A major search was launched involving police divers, a coastguard team, Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team and some concerned members of the public who were in the area at the time.

Police were called at 2.16pm yesterday to the scene of the incident, just West of Pooley Bridge.

It is thought the canoeist is from the Lancashire area, police said.

A Cumbria Police spokeswoman added: "Police are... working to inform and support immediate family members."

Any witnesses of the incident are asked to contact Penrith Police on 0845 33 00 247.