Tragedy in Hackney Marshes as boy, 12, drowns in River Lea

A 12-year-old boy has drowned in a river in northeast London.

Emergency services were called to Hackney Marshes after the boy was seen entering the River Lea at about 6pm on Saturday, the Metropolitan Police said.

His body was recovered by police divers just after midnight on Sunday, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The boy's next of kin have been notified, police said.

Mayor of Hackney Zoe Garbett said she was "heartbroken" to learn of the boy's death.

"All of our thoughts are with the child's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time," she said.

"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."

The detective leading the investigation, Detective Inspector Azeem Pinnu, said: "This is a deeply tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the boy's family, friends and the wider community.

"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.

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

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Much of the UK experienced warm weather over the weekend during the final days of a heatwave.

The temperature hit 38.1C in Kew Gardens, west London, last Thursday - making it the hottest day of the year so far.

The boy's death follows a spate of drownings in rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water during the recent heatwaves.

During the May heatwave at least 15 people died swimming in open water, many of them teenagers and young adults.

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