The community of Ealing has been left in shock following the tragic deaths of a mother and her child who drowned after getting into difficulty in water at Elthorne Park in London.
Emergency Response
Emergency services, including police, fire crews, and paramedics, rushed to the scene on Saturday afternoon. Despite their best efforts, the pair were pronounced dead at the scene. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a woman and a child were recovered from the water and are believed to be a mother and son. Officers are working to identify their next of kin.
Witness Account
Abis, a local Uber driver, witnessed the large emergency response. He saw multiple fire engines, ambulances, and police vehicles near Boston Road between 6pm and 7pm. A customer who had been walking his dog in the park told Abis that what they saw was 'nothing compared to what was happening inside the park.' Abis expressed shock, noting that the River Brent and Grand Union Canal border the park but are not typically accessible from within it. He added that people do not usually swim in those waters, as the nearby Ruislip Lido is a popular spot for outdoor swimming.
Abis said the community would be 'taken aback' by the tragedy, especially given the number of families and young children in the area. 'I've got two young kids myself, so we obviously want to know how something like this could happen,' he added.
Police Statement
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: 'Officers were called at 4.29pm following reports of two people in difficulty in the water. Officers attended with the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade. A woman and child were recovered from the water. We are not able to confirm their ages at this stage. Very sadly, despite the best efforts of the emergency services who provided urgent medical care, they were both pronounced dead at the scene.'
The force thanked emergency crews and members of the public for their efforts in an 'incredibly challenging situation.'
