A 13-year-old boy has died after being pulled from the water at London's Royal Victoria Dock on Monday afternoon. Emergency services were called to Silvertown Way at 4.17pm, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Police Investigation Underway
The boy was recovered from the water by first responders. Despite immediate first aid, he was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
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."
Police have stated that at this stage there is nothing to suggest the involvement of a third party. The investigation's findings will be passed to the coroner. No other individuals were reported in the water, and there were no other injuries.
Emergency Services Response
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called at 4.07pm on Monday June 29 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."
Rising Toll of Water-Related Deaths
The death of the boy brings the number of people who have died in water-related incidents during the recent hot weather to nine, in addition to the 15 who died during a spell of extremely warm weather in May. On Monday, Greater Manchester Police reported that the body of a 15-year-old boy had been recovered from open water in Clifton Country Park in Swinton on Saturday.
Detective Superintendent Ware urged the public to avoid speculation and refrain from sharing distressing material online out of respect for the family and to preserve the investigation. He expressed gratitude to the emergency services and partner agencies involved in the search-and-recovery efforts, as well as members of the public who offered assistance.
