A body found in the River Mersey has been identified as missing schoolboy Daniel Halliday,police said on Saturday.

Daniel,14,was lost to a strong current in the river while jumping waves - despite his older brother trying to save him,his family said.

Emergency services were called to Crosby beach at around 7pm on June 30 to mount a search.

The teenager was dragged away from the shore by strong currents and was missing for almost two weeks. 

The body was found by the Coastguard off New Brighton on Monday night,police said.

A massive Coastguard search was launched on June 30 after the alarm was raised. Tragically,Daniel's body was recovered on Monday after being missing for almost two weeks

The teenager's family described him as a 'loving son,brother,cousin,nephew and grandson'.

Merseyside Police said on Saturday they are supporting Daniel's family and his death is not being treated as suspicious.

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Body is found in search for Daniel Halliday,last seen jumping waves with brother

The case has been referred to the coroner's office,the force added.

Police have asked anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact them.

His family said: 'Our worst fear is that this tragic accident has taken our lovely boy from us. 

'Daniel was jumping waves with his big brother who tried to save him but the current was too strong. 

'Daniel is a loving son,nephew and grandson. The family are all devastated,and we hope that we will be allowed our privacy at this time. Thank you.' 

In a statement released this afternoon,Merseyside Police said: 'We can confirm that the body of a male found in the River Mersey is that of missing 14-year-old Daniel Halliday.  

'Officers received a report that the body of a boy had been found by HM Coastguard on the evening of Monday 8 July in the river at New Brighton. Following extensive forensic examinations by Merseyside Police,the boy has been formally identified as Daniel Halliday. Daniel had been reported to have been jumping waves in Crosby at 7pm on Sunday 30 June before getting into difficulty.

'Officers are supporting his family at this difficult time. His death is being treated as not suspicious and the case was referred to the coroner's office.

Merseyside Police