A mother and her seven-year-old son have tragically died after she reportedly jumped into a river in a desperate attempt to rescue him. The incident occurred at Elthorne Park in Ealing, west London, on Saturday afternoon.
Emergency services were called to the park shortly before 4:30pm following reports that a woman and a young boy were in difficulty in the water. Both were pulled from the River Brent, which runs alongside the park, but were pronounced dead at the scene.
According to a witness, the boy had run away from his mother and jumped into the water to cool off. The mother then followed him, and both began to struggle in the strong currents and deep water. Another person also entered the water to try to help but was forced to let go due to the challenging conditions.
The Metropolitan Police described the event as a tragic accident and confirmed that the deaths are not being treated as suspicious. A spokesperson said: 'Further inquiries carried out by officers into the incident have established it was a tragic accident and the deaths of the woman and child who very sadly lost their lives are being treated as non-suspicious.'
Next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. The family has requested that their privacy be respected.
Detective Superintendent Pete Thackray, from the Met's west area command unit, acknowledged the efforts of first responders and members of the public who did their best in an incredibly challenging situation.
Liberal Democrat councillor for Ealing Common, Jon Ball, expressed his condolences on social media, writing: 'My thoughts go out to the family of those involved in the tragic accident in Elthorne Park today.'
