A man in his 20s has tragically died after being pulled from the River Lee Canal in Upper Clapton early on Sunday morning.
Emergency services were called to the canal near Riverside Close at approximately 6:29am on February 23, following reports of a man in the water. Officers from the Metropolitan Police, alongside London Ambulance Service paramedics and crews from the London Fire Brigade, rushed to the scene.
The man was rescued from the water and treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to hospital. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the man’s next of kin have been informed and are receiving support from specially trained officers.
A spokesperson for the force said: “Police were called to reports of a man in the River Lee Canal close to Riverside Close, Upper Clapton, at 06:29hrs on Sunday, 23 February. Officers attended alongside the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade. A man in his 20s was pulled from the water and treated by paramedics before being taken to hospital. Sadly, he later died. His next of kin is being supported by officers.”
The death is currently being treated as unexpected, and police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. No further details about how the man came to be in the water have been released at this time.
The canal towpath remained partially cordoned off throughout the morning as officers carried out inquiries, though it has since been reopened to the public.
Police have appealed for any witnesses who may have been in the area around the time of the incident or anyone with information to come forward. Those with details can contact the Metropolitan Police on 101, quoting reference CAD 1298/23FEB, or provide information anonymously via Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
