Police issue update on missing boy in Mexborough
The 11-year-old hasn't been seen since reports he went into the River Don on Saturday
Last updated 1st Jun 2026
An 11-year-old boy missing in Mexborough has been named by his family as Mackenzie Swift.
Police say the search for him is still underway, but he hasn't been seen since reports he went into the River Don on Saturday evening.
The major search operation began just after 8pm on Saturday (30th May) following reports Mackenzie entered the river near Ferry Boat Lane and has not been seen since, police say it will continue until it gets dark tonight.
Today, officers worked alongside partner agencies including South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue service, Woodhead Mountain Rescue, and an underwater search team, as efforts to locate Mackenzie continued.
Family Liaison Officers have sadly had the heartbreaking conversation with Mackenzie’s family that if he had not got out of the river on Saturday, he could not have survived in the water for this length of time.
None of the enquiries so far have found any indication that he got out of the water.
South Yorkshire Police say his family are being supported and kept updated on the progress of the search operation.
Doncaster District Commander, Chief Superintendent Pete Thorp, said:
“We will continue to do everything in our power to find Mackenzie and to support his family through this incredibly difficult time. They truly are living every parent's worst nightmare.
“We are utilising a range of specialist resources and organisations from across the region. Officers will remain at the search site tonight and further operational activity will resume at first light tomorrow (Tuesday) morning.
“I understand members of the public are desperate to help, but I must ask that you leave this work to the professional search teams. Please do not put yourselves or others in danger by searching in and around water, and if asked to leave by officers, please understand this is for your own safety and to ensure our efforts focus solely on finding Mackenzie.
“The thoughts of all those involved in the extensive search operation remain with Mackenzie and his family.”