Less than 24 hours after a man drowned while swimming in a Bradford reservoir some people, including children, were continuing to bathe there ignoring warnings not to go into the water.

The victim of latest tragedy at Chellow Dean reservoir was named by relatives as Amir Ahmed, 22. He was a nephew of former Lord Mayor of Bradford, Choudhary Rangzeb.

Emergency services were called to reports of a man and woman in difficulty in the water at about 7.45pm on Wednesday. The woman was rescued, but the body of Mr Ahmed, of Heaton, Bradford, was recovered about two hours later.

An 18-year-old woman was assisting police with inquiries yesterday as they investigated the tragedy.

Mr Rangzeb, who was Lord Mayor from 2006 to 2007, said: “He was the youngest son of my brother, who had two sons.

“Only last week his brother got married and I saw him at the wedding.

“It is a very tragic event. He was a very quiet and shy lad who only spoke when he was spoken to, and was very polite and respectful. It is so sad that his life was ended in this way.

“I don’t know the woman and I don’t know what he was doing, I can only assume he was having a walk or a stroll.”

Ibdal Mahboob, a close friend of Mr Ahmed, was at the reservoir yesterday to reflect on the events of the night before.

He said: “He’s someone that’s got a lot of love for the community. It’s a big loss to the community. He cares for people and has always been there for everyone whenever they needed him.”

Safraz Aslam, another friend, said: “He was a well-known lad in the local community, decent guy, good looking, he was studying, he had it going on. It’s a real shock.

“But this area does need fencing off and there does need to be more signs as to the dangers of this reservoir because I’m sure this is not the first time an accident has happened.”

Jane Glaister, Bradford Council’s strategic director for culture, tourism and sport, said: “It is a terrible tragedy that someone has lost their life and we send our condolences to the victim’s family.

“The water in the lower reservoir is about 12 metres deep and consequently very cold.

“We would advise people not go to into any reservoirs at any time and there are signs around Chellow Dene reservoir warning people of the dangers.”

Councillor Imdad Hussain (Lab, Heaton) said: “It’s a tragedy when a young life is taken away like that in these circumstances. It has been a terrible time for the family.

“There’s a clear message for youngsters that reservoirs are not for swimming in. Yes, they are places for recreation, but are certainly not for swimming.

“We must make it clear to youngsters that, if they swim in reservoirs, they are going to risk their lives.”

Councillor Rizwan Malik (Lab, Heaton) said he was a close friend of Mr Rangzeb.

He said: “It is a massive tragedy, he was only a young guy and our prayers and thoughts are with the family.

“They are in massive shock and are finding it very difficult to come to terms with.”

Councillor Sajid Akhtar (Con, Heaton) said: “I offer my condolences to his family. I’d ask the young people to stay away from the reservoir and don’t go for a swim and to be extra careful.”

The Coroner has been informed of Mr Ahmed’s death and an inquest will be held at a later date.

Cold is the real danger

Yorkshire Water yesterday also warned people of the dangers of swimming in reservoirs.

The company operates a number of reservoirs in and around Bradford, although the Chellow Dene site is owned by Bradford Council.

When fatalities occur it is often the temperature of the water which is the most significant factor. Reservoirs are deep and the water in them does not flow so the temperature rarely rises far above 12C.

Strong currents could also lurk beneath the surface as water is drawn into the supply network.

Yorkshire Water’s recreation and catchment manager Geoff Lomas said: “What begins as a day out in the sunshine can turn to tragedy within minutes if you decide to take a dip.

“It really doesn’t matter how well you can swim as it’s the cold which can kill you.”

More information can be found at yorkshirewater.com/safety.