12-year-old drowns in River Lea near Hackney Marshes, body recovered.

A 12-year-old boy has died after entering the River Lea at Hackney Marshes in northeast London. Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, following reports of a person in the water. After an extensive overnight search involving police, firefighters, and a drone team, police divers recovered the boy's body shortly after midnight on Sunday, August 16. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed the boy's next of kin have been notified and are being supported by specialist officers. His death is being treated as unexpected. An investigation is now being conducted on behalf of the coroner to establish the full circumstances of the incident.

The London Fire Brigade deployed specialist rescue units from Edmonton and Bethnal Green fire stations to conduct a systematic search of the river alongside police. A fire service spokesperson confirmed a boy had drowned in the River Lea near Hackney Marshes.

Hackney Mayor Zoë Garbett expressed profound sadness, stating the community was heartbroken by the tragic death. She extended condolences to the boy's family and friends, describing the event as a devastating loss...