Park Evacuated as Emergency Services Conduct Search
Beckenham Place Park in Lewisham has been evacuated after a 16-year-old boy went missing while swimming in the park’s lake. Emergency services, including the Metropolitan Police, London Ambulance Service, and London Fire Brigade, rushed to the scene following reports that the teenager had gotten into difficulty in the water around 3:08 PM on Friday, April 4.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating:
A 16-year-old boy is believed to have got into difficulty in the water and is now missing. Emergency services are currently coordinating a search.”
Emergency Response and Search Efforts
The search operation is ongoing, with dozens of emergency service vehicles present at the scene, including raft boats combing the water. Eyewitnesses reported seeing at least ten emergency vehicles in the area, indicating the scale of the response.
Police have confirmed that Beckenham Place Park has been fully evacuated to facilitate the search. The atmosphere remains tense as emergency crews continue to search the lake and surrounding areas.
One witness described the scene as “heartbreaking” and expressed hope that the boy would be found safe. Local residents have been urged to stay away from the area to allow emergency personnel to conduct their work without obstruction.
Community in Shock
News of the incident has deeply affected the local community. One resident said:
“It’s terrifying to think something like this could happen. The park is usually full of families, and it’s hard to imagine a tragedy unfolding here.”
Several people at the scene reported seeing emergency services using rafts and rescue equipment to search the water. The search is expected to continue into the evening.
Second Water-Related Incident This Week
This is the second water-related incident in London within a week. Earlier, Kaliyah Coa, an 11-year-old girl, went missing after reportedly slipping into the River Thames near Barge House Causeway. Despite extensive searches, Kaliyah has not yet been found.
Authorities are reminding the public to exercise caution around open water, particularly in areas that are not designated for swimming.
Appeal for Information
Anyone with information about the incident or who may have witnessed what happened is urged to contact the Metropolitan Police by calling 101.
The story will be updated as more information becomes available.
