A 12-year-old boy has died after an incident at a river in London over the weekend. Emergency services were called to Hackney Marshes on Saturday, August 15, at around 6pm following reports that a boy had entered the water.
Body Recovered by Police Divers
Police divers recovered the boy's body shortly after midnight on Sunday, and he was tragically declared dead at the scene. The London Fire Brigade and the Metropolitan Police responded to the call, with specialist fire rescue units deployed from Edmonton and Bethnal Green fire stations, along with a drone team.
Tributes and Investigation
Mayor of Hackney Zoë Garbett paid tribute to the child, calling it a "devastating loss for our community" and urging the public not to "speculate" as an investigation continues. She said: "We were heartbroken to learn about the tragic death of a 12-year-old boy at Hackney Marshes this weekend. All of our thoughts are with the child’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."
She added: "This is a devastating loss for our community, and I know many will be feeling a deep sense of shock and sadness. The boy’s family will need time to grieve this unimaginable loss, so please respect their privacy. I want to thank the emergency services for their rapid response and the extensive efforts they made throughout the night. As the investigation into this tragic incident continues, please avoid sharing speculation on social media."
Fire Service Statement
A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade said: "Sadly, a boy has drowned in the River Lea, near the Hackney Marshes. Firefighters were called to reports of a person in the water and crews carried out a systematic search of the river alongside officers from the Metropolitan Police Service. Sadly, a boy was declared dead at the scene, following the recovery of a body by police divers."
