A 14-year-old boy has drowned after entering the water at a dock in east London. Emergency services were alerted to the incident at Millwall Outer Dock near East Ferry Road at approximately 6:50 PM BST on Monday.
Firefighters and police conducted a search of the area. The boy's body was recovered from the dock around 10:30 PM, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Police confirmed that the boy's family has been notified.
Det Supt Oliver Richter of the Metropolitan Police stated, "Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of this young boy at this incredibly difficult time. As the warm weather continues, I would urge everyone to remember that open water can present serious dangers."
This incident follows similar warnings from the London Fire Brigade (LFB) in July, urging Londoners, particularly children, to exercise caution in the capital's waterways due to hot weather conditions. Since 2020, over 100 accidental drownings have been recorded across London.
LFB assistant commissioner Patrick Goulbourne confirmed the tragic outcome, saying, "Sadly, a teenager has drowned following an incident in Blackwall. Firefighters responded to reports of a teenager in the harbour and carried out a full search of the area. Sadly, despite the best efforts of emergency responders, the teenager was later found dead."
The London Ambulance Service also responded to the scene, having been called at 6:53 PM to reports of a person in the water. Crews assisted emergency service partners but were later stood down.