A courageous 15-year-old boy became an unlikely hero today after leaping into the River Thames to save a struggling man from drowning in a dramatic midday rescue.
The incident unfolded near Westminster, sending emergency services into a frenzy. Metropolitan Police, London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade, and the Coastguard all scrambled to the scene after reports of a person in the water.
Eyewitnesses described a tense scene as the teenager, without a second thought for his own safety, plunged into the cold waters to reach the 54-year-old man. Onlookers watched in awe as the young hero managed to keep the man afloat until professional help could arrive.
An eyewitness at the scene told reporters: "The boy was incredibly brave. He just jumped straight in. The emergency services were there very quickly, but he was the first one in the water to help."
Paramedics provided immediate critical care to the man on the riverbank before he was rushed to a major trauma centre for further treatment. His condition is currently unknown.
The boy was also checked over by medics at the scene for any effects of cold water shock but was reportedly unharmed and in good spirits after his heroic act.
Police have confirmed they are treating the incident as a medical episode rather than a crime, stating there are no suspicious circumstances. The rescue operation caused significant disruption in the area, drawing a large crowd of concerned citizens.
This act of immense bravery serves as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary courage displayed by ordinary Londoners every day.
