Sadly a boy, aged 12, has drowned in the River Lea, near the Hackney Marshes
A 12-year-old boy has been pronounced dead after a tragic incident at Hackney Marshes on Saturday (August 15). Emergency services were called to reports that a boy had entered the water at Hackney Marshes at 6pm.
A body was discovered shortly after midnight on Sunday, August 16, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Paying tribute to the child, Mayor of Hackney Zoë Garbett said it was a “devastating loss for our community” and urged members of the public not to “speculate” as an investigation into the incident continues.
The Mayor 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.
“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.”
The London Fire Brigade responded to the call out with the Met Police after receiving the report at 6pm on Saturday, August 15. Specialist Fire rescue units were deployed from Edmonton and Bethnal Green fire stations, as well as a drone team.
A spokesperson for the fire service 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.”
