THE funeral of the teenager who drowned at the Linton falls beauty spot is taking place later this afternoon, in Bradford, it has been announced.

Muhammad Bilal Zeb, 18, had only been married for five weeks when he got into difficulties while swimming in the River Wharfe on what was the hottest day of the year so far in the district.

The river is a magnet to visitors during summer but dangerous currents can overwhelm even experienced swimmers.

Emergency services were called to the scene on Friday, July 31, at around 7.30pm where members of the public had attempted to save his life. A community support officer had performed CPR until paramedics arrived.

Sadly he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Janaza Announcement page on social media named Muhammad as the victim in a post published yesterday (August 5).

It added the teenager's mother is currently in ICU battling Covid-19 and doesn't know about her son's death.

In a statement they said: "Muhammad Bilal Zeb has sadly passed away by drowning at Linton Falls in the Yorkshire Dales. Bilal got married five weeks ago.

“Can you all pray for his mother who is in ICU Manchester due to COVID19 past 3 weeks.

“She doesn’t even know about her own son’s death.”

Thousands have expressed their condolences to the family following the tragedy.

One person said: “He was very nice person. I recorded his wedding movie. I can't stop my tears.”

Another added: "Always sad to hear someone go so soon prayers with family and friends. Rip Billy."

His funeral will be attended by immediate family due to government guidelines, but will be streamed on Facebook.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: "Police were contacted at 7.40pm on Friday, July 31 with a report that an 18-year-old man from Bradford was in difficulty in the water at Linton Falls, Grassington.

"Despite the efforts of the emergency services at the scene, the man sadly died."

Warnings were issued on social media about the dangers of water following his death.

Martyn Hughes, from the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, tweeted: “Despite frantic efforts by many, we were unable to save the young man.

"Thoughts very much with family and friends. Sadly another water-related death at one of our natural beauty spots.”

Grassington Fire Station added: “The falls and river at Grassington through to Linton and Burnsall is beautiful, it can be tempting on hot days to take a dip, but please beware of the hidden dangers in moving cold water.”