The 12-year-old tragically drowned while swimming in the River Ribble.

An inquest is set to open tomorrow (Friday) for a 12-year-old boy from Leyland who died after getting into difficulty in a river.

Junior Graham Slater from Clayton-le-Woods tragically drowned while swimming in the River Ribble at Ribchester on Tuesday, May 26.

Junior Slater, 12, who died after getting into difficulty in the River Ribble at Ribchester. | Contributed

placeholder image — Junior Slater, 12, who died after getting into difficulty in the River Ribble at Ribchester. | Contributed

Lancashire Police said he got into difficulty while swimming with friends around 2pm. A huge emergency response was launched with fire crews, police and paramedics descending on the village, along with underwater search teams, who sadly recovered his body around 7.30pm.

Family and friends shared their heartbreak on social media, while members of the community paid their respects with floral tributes near the scene on the banks of the River Ribble.

A GoFundMe was also set up to give him the beautiful send off he deserves.

The force said his death is not being treated as suspicious and his family are being supported by specialist officers.

The inquest is scheduled to take place at Preston Coroners Court at 10am.