Tragic news emerged last night as the body of a 15-year-old boy who went missing while swimming in Beckenham Place Park Lake was recovered.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that they had suspended the search after the boy’s body was found late on Friday night, following an extensive rescue operation that lasted several hours.
Emergency Response
Officers were called to the park shortly after 3:00 PM on Friday, April 4, following reports that the boy had gotten into difficulty in the water. A large-scale search operation was launched, involving specialist diving teams from the Metropolitan Police, alongside responders from the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade.
Despite their efforts, the boy was recovered from the lake at approximately 10:42 PM and was immediately taken to hospital. Tragically, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
https:///www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-zzOLX-9ag
Police Statement
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said:
Met Police has suspended a search for a 15-year-old boy at Beckenham Place Park, following the discovery of a body. Officers were called to the park shortly after 15:00hrs on Friday, 4 April, following reports of a boy going missing after getting into difficulty in the water.
Specialist diving teams were in attendance alongside the London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade. A boy was recovered from the lake at around 22:42hrs on Friday, 4 April. He was taken to hospital where he was sadly pronounced dead.
His death is being treated as unexpected but not believed to be suspicious. His family are aware and continue to receive support.
Community in Mourning
The tragic incident has left the local community in shock and grief. Many residents who had gathered at the park during the search have expressed their condolences.
Local resident Naomi Howard said:
“It’s heartbreaking. My thoughts are with his family. I can’t imagine what they’re going through.”
This marks the second incident in London this week where a young person has drowned. Earlier, 11-year-old Kaliyah Coa was reported missing after slipping into the River Thames. Authorities are urging the public to exercise caution around open water as temperatures rise.
Safety Concerns
This tragic incident has also raised concerns about water safety in parks and other open water areas. Officials are urging the public, especially young people, to stay vigilant around lakes and rivers and to avoid swimming in unsupervised locations.
The Metropolitan Police and local authorities have pledged to review safety measures in the area and are advising parents to educate their children about the dangers of swimming in natural bodies of water.
Support for the Family
The boy’s family is being supported by specialist officers as they come to terms with the tragic loss. The community has been encouraged to respect their privacy during this difficult time.
For those affected by the incident or seeking support, local counseling services are available, and the Samaritans can be reached at 116 123 for emotional assistance.
