Second day of search for missing 11‑year‑old boy

A major search operation for an 11-year-old boy who entered the River Don in South Yorkshire has entered its second day after extensive efforts failed to locate him. The boy was last seen entering the water near Ferry Boat Lane in Mexborough, Doncaster, at approximately 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, and was not observed leaving. His possessions were reportedly found on the riverbank.

A coordinated multi-agency response was launched immediately, involving South Yorkshire Police, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, Mountain Rescue teams, and the National Police Air Service. Specialist resources, including an underwater search team, sonar-equipped boats, drones, and a police helicopter, have been deployed to search the river, its banks, and nearby open land.

Despite these efforts throughout Sunday, the boy had not been found by nightfall. Police Search Advisor PC Simon Bennett stated that the search became more challenging after dark and had to be scaled back, though officers remained at the scene overnight. Plans are already in place to resume extensive search activities at first light on Monday.

Inspector Neil Pryce of the Doncaster Response...