The body of a boy (13) has been recovered from a tank at a water treatment plant in Co Louth.

It is believed the boy had been swimming with friends at Rosehall in Drogheda when he got into difficulty.

The alarm was raised at around 3:50pm this afternoon when a member of the public made a call to 999.

A search and rescue operation was launched immediately involving the gardai, coastguard and emergencies services.

The coastguard helicopter was also dispatched.

It is believed the boy had been swimming with friends at a water treatment plant.

His body taken from the water by the Drogheda coastguard unit and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

His remains have been taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital where a post mortem will be carried out.