Boy, 12, drowns in River Lea at Hackney Marshes
A 12-year-old boy drowned in the River Lea near Hackney Marshes in north-east London after emergency services responded to reports of a person in the water. His body was recovered hours later, and his death is being investigated by the coroner.
Why it matters
This tragic incident highlights the dangers of open water and has deeply affected the local community, prompting an investigation into the circumstances of the boy's death.
Image caption, A balloon and flowers were left at the scene on Monday
A 12-year-old boy has drowned in north-east London.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said it was called to reports of a person in the water in the River Lea, near the Hackney Marshes, just after 18:00 BST on Saturday.
Crews searched the river alongside the Metropolitan Police, and the boy's body was recovered by police divers hours later, at about 00:15 BST on Sunday. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mayor of Hackney, Zoë Garbett, said she was heartbroken to learn of the boy's death, adding: "All of our thoughts are with the child's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."
Image caption, The boy's body was recovered from the River Lea by police divers on Sunday morning
Garbett thanked the emergency services for their "rapid response" and "extensive efforts".
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