Child dies after being recovered from water in east London

An investigation is underway after a boy, believed to be 13, died in Silvertown in east London

Emergency crews were called to Royal Victoria Dock on Monday afternoon at around 4pm, where the child was recovered from the water

His death is not being treated as suspicious

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said:

“We were called at 4.07pm on Monday 29 June to reports of a person in the water at Dock Road, Silvertown.

“We sent resources to the scene including an ambulance crew, an incident response officer and paramedics from our hazardous area response team (HART). We also dispatched a trauma team in a car from London’s Air Ambulance.

“Very sadly, despite the best efforts of our crews, a child was pronounced dead at the scene.”

Police tell us his next of kin are aware and are being supported by specialist officers.

A police investigation is under way, the conclusion of which will be passed to the coroner. At this stage there is nothing to suggest the involvement of a third party, police said.

There were no other individuals reported in the water or other reported injuries, the force added.

Detective Superintendent Scott Ware, who leads public protection in north east London, said: “Our thoughts remain with the boy’s family and loved ones as they come to terms with this tragedy. We kindly ask that their privacy is respected.

“We also make a plea to the public to avoid speculation and refrain from sharing distressing material online out of respect for the family and to preserve the investigation.

“Our sincere thanks go to the emergency services and partner agencies involved in the search-and-recovery efforts this evening, as well as members of the public who offered assistance and support.

“This incident is now being investigated on behalf of the coroner and inquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances of what happened.”

The death of the boy brings the number of people who have died in water-related incidents during the recent hot weather to nine, and is in addition to the 15 who died during the spell of extremely warm weather in May.

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