A 16-year-old boy has gone missing while swimming in a lake at Beckenham Place Park in Lewisham, prompting a major emergency response and the evacuation of the park.
The boy was last seen at around 3:08 PM on Friday, April 4, after reportedly getting into difficulty in the water. Emergency services, including the Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade, and London Ambulance Service, are currently coordinating a search operation at the scene. The park has been cleared to aid the search efforts.
Police Statement
A police spokesperson confirmed:
“Police were called at 3:08 PM to Beckenham Place Park. 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. The next of kin has been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.”
Fire Brigade and Ambulance Response
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said:
“We have been called to reports of one person in the water at Beckenham Place Park lake in Beckenham.
Five fire engines and around 35 firefighters are in attendance. Crews from Woodside, Lewisham, Beckenham, Croydon, and Euston fire stations are at the scene.
The Brigade’s 999 Control officers were called at 3:14 PM and are still in attendance.”
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson added:
“We were called at 3:02 PM this afternoon to reports of a person in the water.
We sent resources to the scene, including an ambulance crew, an incident response officer, and members of our hazardous area response team.
We are still at the scene working alongside our emergency services partners.”
Community in Shock
The incident has left the local community shaken, as emergency personnel continue their efforts to locate the teenager. Concerned residents gathered at the park’s entrance, anxiously awaiting updates from officials.
One witness said:
“It’s so tragic. The park is usually full of families and kids having fun. I can’t imagine what the family must be going through.”
Rising Concerns Over Water Safety
This tragic incident marks the second case in London this week where a young person has gone missing in water. Kaliyah Coa, an 11-year-old girl, remains missing after slipping into the River Thames near Barge House Causeway on Monday. Despite extensive searches, she has not yet been found.
In a separate incident, a body was recovered from Crown Lakes near Peterborough after a teenager went missing while swimming on Wednesday. These recent cases have sparked public concern over water safety, especially as warmer weather draws more people to outdoor swimming spots.
Safety Warnings
The Metropolitan Police have urged the public to remain cautious when near open water, particularly in unsupervised areas where currents and temperature changes can pose significant risks. They are also appealing for anyone with information to contact the authorities immediately.
As the search continues, the community’s thoughts remain with the missing boy’s family. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
