Massive police hunt is launched as girl, eight, vanishes in Scottish river
- Urgent search under way after an eight-year-old girl went missing in River Leven
- Police rushed to the area after two people went missing in water in Balloch
- Were able to recover one person but the are still searching for the missing child
An urgent police search has been launched after an eight-year-old girl went missing in a river in Scotland today.
Police crews and the emergency services, including a helicopter, rushed to the River Leven in Balloch, West Dunbartonshire, at 6.46pm to reports of two people missing in the water.
While officers were able to recover one person safely, the police are still searching for the missing child.
Police officers have been joined by firefighters and members of the Coastguard in the ongoing rescue mission.
Emergency services, including a helicopter (pictured), rushed to the scene in Balloch, West Dunbartonshire, at 6.45pm today
Police officers have been joined by firefighters and members of the Coastguard in the ongoing search
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: ‘We were alerted at 6.46pm on Sunday, August 9 to reports of a person in the water in Balloch.
‘Operations Control mobilised two appliances and two water rescue units to the scene at Balloch Bridge.
‘Firefighters currently remain on the scene working to assist their emergency service partners.’
A spokesman for the the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: ‘At 7.09pm this evening we were asked (by the police) to send the HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Prestwick to assist Police Scotland at a search at Balloch, Loch Lomond. This search is ongoing.’
Today West Dunbartonshire Police confirmed that routes near Balloch Road had been closed.
A helicopter flies across the River Leven in Balloch as police desperately try to find the missing girl
West Dunbartonshire Police warned motorists that routes near Balloch Road had been closed
In a statement on Twitter the police said: Motorists are advised that Balloch Road is currently closed between the A82 roundabout and Carrochan Road, Balloch due to an ongoing police incident at the River Leven.
‘Please use an alternative route.’
MailOnline has contacted Police Scotland for comment.