A 16-year-old boy has gone missing while swimming in a lake at Beckenham Park Place in Lewisham, prompting a major emergency response and 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 and London Fire Brigade, are currently coordinating a search operation at the scene. The park has been cleared to aid the efforts.
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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.”
The incident has left the local community shaken, as emergency personnel continue their efforts to locate the teenager.
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.
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.
Community Reaction
Local residents have expressed their fears and support for the boy’s family. One park visitor commented:
“It’s heartbreaking. I come here often with my kids, and I can’t imagine what the family must be going through. I just hope they find him safe.”
Authorities have advised people to avoid the area to allow emergency crews to carry out their work without obstruction.
Ongoing Investigation
The police and fire services remain on-site, and the search operation is expected to continue until more information becomes available.
Officers are also speaking with witnesses to establish how the boy entered the water and what led to the incident.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Metropolitan Police by calling 101.
For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned.
