The friend of a girl who died after getting into difficulty a river has relived the horror of trying to save her.
Heartfelt messages have poured in since 15-year-old Abbie Walton's tragic death at the River Etherow in Broadbottom, Greater Manchester, on Wednesday.
The girl is understood to have got into difficulty in the water hours after the village's annual duck race and BBQ concluded.
Abbie's friend Mia relived the horror of trying to save her pal.
In a touching tribute on Facebook, Mia wrote: “Abbie I’m sorry I couldn’t help you.
"Listening to you scream my name is replaying in my head I tried hard to grab you but I couldn’t do anything more.
"I love you so much angel, rest in peace."
Another devastated woman, Gill Macloud, who left a floral tribute at the scene, said she knew Abbie through her granddaughter Ellie.
The 57-year-old said: “She was a lovely girl. It’s terrible what’s happened.”
Ellie, 13, who went to the same school as Abbie, Copley Academy said: “We were really close and she used to come to my house all the time.
“Abbie loved her little sister. She was a really happy girl and never caused any trouble.”
More bereft pals have also told of their heartbreak over the teenager's death.
One pal wrote online: "Rest in paradise to the most kindest soul I know. I will forever cherish the time and memories we had you were always putting a smile on my face.
"It was only two days ago I was with you I love you will all off my heart my angel."
Locals told how the tragedy unfolded on Wednesday.
Lois Miles, who lives in the village said: “My friend came back from the duck race after 7pm. I spoke to her as she walked past my door and she didn’t report anything wrong.
“I don’t think the girl had been to the duck race.”
Another woman, who didn’t wish to be named, said Abbie didn’t live locally and was from nearby Hattersley.
“The girl didn’t come to the duck race,” said the woman. “The event is pretty popular but most people just watch from the weir and never go in the river.
“The organisers are aware of the need for safety and it’s very well supervised.”
One man said he’d spotted fire crews and police rushing to scene.
“At first, I saw lots of vehicles and everyone appeared to be hurrying but then I heard someone shout, ‘We know where she is,’” he said. “It seemed less frantic after that.”
Greater Manchester Police confirmed enquiries were still ongoing but detectives are confident there aren’t any suspicious circumstances.
A file is currently being prepared for the coroner.
This comes after medics and firefighters rushed to help Abbie at around 7.50pm on Wednesday at the river after the area's annual duck race.
Locals explained the get-together sees villagers drop ducks off the bridge, before they rush down to Weir Cottage to see who's bird crosses the finish line first.
The residents said the tragic news had sent shockwaves through their community as another teen died in the same stretch of water in recent years.
Villagers said the river is a popular spot for youngsters to cool off in the hotter summer months - despite signs urging them not to swim.
One resident, who would not give their name, told Manchester Evening News: "It's no more dangerous than any other river. When it's flooding, it's really dangerous.
"Last night it wasn't like that. It's very strange. It shows that even when it's calm it can be a problem."
Another resident told of their heartache as 16-year-old Jack Pullen had died in the water nearby in 2016.
They said: "There are signs up but it doesn't seem to stop people coming down here. It's more dangerous than they realise."
Floral tributes at the scene included one from Jack Pullen’s family, which read: “Thinking of the family at this sad time so sorry for your loss.”
One local added: “There doesn’t seem to be as much activity down the river since Jack died. I can see why kids would want to go there on an hot day but it’s too easy to get into trouble and panic.
“My lads, who are 20 and 27, used to jump in when they were younger.”
A memorial sign with a photo of Jack hangs on a fence near the waterway. It shows the date he died and adds: "Forever loved and always missed."
The message ends: "We urge you not to swim in open water."
Jack's inquest heard he had been walking in seemingly calm water at what is known as Broadbottom Rocks when he slipped and the current dragged him under.
His pals had jumped in to save him but he was washed downstream as he screamed for help.
Speaking of Wednesday's tragedy, Detective Superintendent Rebecca Boyce said previously: “Yesterday evening’s events are nothing short of devastating and my deepest sympathies are with the loved ones of the girl who lost her life in such awful circumstances.
“Officers will continue to support the family during this incredibly difficult time.”
