Lewis Eddleston's Family Angry With Police

The brother of a 13-year-old boy found dead in a ditch has hit out at a perceived lack of initiative shown by police searching for him.

Lewis Eddleston's body was found near his Doncaster home on Wednesday after he went missing on Sunday.

His brother, Michael, said the family is "very angry" with the way officers handled the operation to find him.

He told ITV Calendar News: "My mum has sat at home having to phone the police every few hours.

"But we didn't even get phone calls from them, no updates. We've just been sat there having to do it ourselves. We've been on our own, apart from the community."

Police have now officially confirmed that the body found close to the Boulevard in Edenthorpe was that of Lewis, who lived nearby.

A post-mortem examination revealed he died by drowning soon after he was seen leaving playing fields on Sunday evening. His death is not being treated as suspicious.

A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "Family liaison officers continue to support Lewis's family at this difficult time.

"South Yorkshire Police wish to reiterate its thanks to the local community for the support provided in the search for Lewis, which was complicated by a number of false sightings reported on social media sites.

"An investigation continues into the circumstances surrounding the tragic event."

Graham Wakeling, the head teacher of Hungerhill School, which Lewis attended, has paid tribute to the youngster.

He said: "The school community is devastated by the news of Lewis's sudden death which was a shock to us all.

"Lewis was an extremely popular young man with a good sense of humour. He was a lively character around the school and always had a smile on his face."

A number of teenagers and adults left flowers at the police cordon as news of the discovery spread.

Jack Neal, 14, who was in the same school year as Lewis, said: "He liked to have fun. He always had a laugh. He was a good friend."

Jack's mother, Clair Neal, said: "There's lots of upset people. I spoke to a few of the mums that have got children in the same year. He was such a well-liked boy."