💔 A 15-year-old boy walked out the door after saying just one simple sentence to his dad…

Tributes have been paid to 15-year-old Declan Sawyer who died after entering a lake in Lincoln.

Emergency services were called to the area at 2.30pm on Sunday 24 May, following reports of a boy getting into trouble in the water.

At 10.25pm on Sunday Lincolnshire Police confirmed that the body of Declan Sawyer had been recovered.

In a tribute, his father Carl described him as “a funny and outgoing young man who loved fishing and football”.

He added: “He had a very cheeky smile and the personality to match. He was very much loved by his friends and family, and will be missed dearly by many.

“With his tragic and unexpected passing on Sunday 24th May at Swanholme Lakes, we would like to raise awareness about children playing near any rivers or lakes in the hot weather.

“Please can all parents, friends and family make their children aware of the dangers surrounding water.”

The Priory Lincoln Academy school have also paid tribute to Declan stating that the “entire Priory Lincoln learning community is grieving alongside Declan’s family and friends”.

The school added: “Declan was a valued member of our academy and a loyal friend to many students. His presence and character in our Academy will be sorely missed by staff and students alike, and his absence will be felt profoundly in the coming days, weeks and months ahead.”

The school have reassured parents that they have pastoral teams, counsellors and trusted adults across the school to provide support for students.

Declan played on the U15 team at St Helens football club in Lincoln. The club described him as a “valued member” of the team and added that their “thoughts and prayers are with Declan’s family, friends, teammates, coaches and everyone who knew and loved him”.

The incident happened as extreme weather in the UK led to hottest day in May ever recorded, with temperatures reaching 34.8C in parts of England on Monday.