A body has been found in the search for 11-year-old Mackenzie Swift, who went missing after entering the River Don in Mexborough, South Yorkshire, on Saturday evening. Police announced the discovery on Tuesday morning, though formal identification has yet to take place. Mackenzie's family has been informed and offered specialist support.
Mackenzie entered the river at around 8pm on Saturday and failed to emerge, prompting a search involving South Yorkshire Police, fire and rescue services, Woodhead Mountain Rescue, and an underwater search team. Chief Superintendent Pete Thorp expressed condolences to the family, describing the loss of a child as 'every parent's worst nightmare'. He also thanked the local community for their dignity and assistance during the search.
The incident is part of a series of water-related deaths during the UK's recent heatwave. At least 15 such deaths occurred last month, including a 13-year-old girl in the River Wharfe, a 15-year-old off Merseyside, and a woman in her 60s who died rescuing a dog in Lancashire. A man who tried to help remains in critical condition.
Locals have described the section of the River Don where Mackenzie entered as dangerous, with strong currents that could easily sweep a child away. Water safety experts have warned about cold water shock, which can occur even in warm weather, as water temperatures remain low. Dr Heather Massey from the University of Portsmouth noted that this is a recurring issue when air temperatures rise rapidly.
