Boy, 16, dies after getting into difficulty in river as member of public tried to save him
A 16-year-old boy has died after getting into difficulty in a river in Buckinghamshire.
Officers were flagged down by members of the public just after 5.30pm on Friday following reports a child was in the Jubilee River in Taplow.
Thames Valley Police said Buckinghamshire and Berkshire fire and rescue services as well as South Central Ambulance Service launched an “extensive search” with the help of the National Police Air Service.
Police said a man entered the water to rescue the boy before the emergency services arrived but could not find him.
The body was found in the water just before 6.40pm, the force said. His death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.
The boy’s next of kin have been informed and formal identification has yet to take place,
Superintendent Emma Burroughs, local policing area commander for south Buckinghamshire, said: “This is a complete tragedy and my thoughts are with the family and friends of the boy who has died as a result of this incident.
“We are in the early stages of investigating this incident, but do not believe there to be any suspicious circumstances.
“There was a swift response from all emergency services, but very sadly, following an extensive search of the river, the boy was located deceased at around 6.40pm.
“This has been an extremely traumatic and upsetting incident, and despite the best efforts of emergency services at the scene we were unable to rescue the boy, who was with two friends at the time.
“I am aware that a member of the public entered the river shortly after the boy got into difficulty, but was unable to locate him.
“I would like to commend him for his courage and bravery. My sincere condolences are with the boy’s family and friends, and I would ask that their privacy is respected at this incredibly traumatic and distressing time for them.”
