UPDATE: Lechlade river tragedy: Teen named as family share heartbreaking tribute
The body of a teenage boy has been found in a river just north of the Wiltshire border.
Following reports of a male in the water, a major search operation was launched in the Cotswold town of Lechlade at around 10pm yesterday (Sunday 30 March).
The 17-year-old was reportedly playing with a group of friends when he entered the River Thames and failed to resurface – sparking a significant emergency response in a bid to rescue him.
Police officers, paramedics and firefighters responded to the incident alongside a National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter, Severn Area Rescue Association and Wiltshire Search and Rescue.
A search of the river – which stretches from near Kemble to London – was carried out in darkness but it was called off in the early hours of the morning (Monday). At 9am, efforts to locate the missing boy resumed.
Sadly, his body was located close to The Round House at approximately 10.30am. The boy’s family and loved ones were present at the scene before he was recovered by specialist divers from Avon and Somerset Police.
In a rare event, the NPAS helicopter landed in a field just metres from where his body was found. Officers on board jumped out to provide assistance on the ground.
A wooden bridge and part of the Riverside Park were cordoned off and a forensic tent was erected.
Gloucestershire Constabulary earlier said that four people – known to the boy – entered the river when he disappeared in a bid to rescue him. They all safely exited the water following the ordeal.
In a statement, the force said: “Police were called at around 10pm yesterday, Sunday 30 April, with a report a 17-year-old boy was in the water.
“A group of five had been at the location together last night, and some had entered the water to try and find him. The others are accounted for.
“Officers were supported by the National Police Air Service, Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, Severn Area Rescue Association and Wiltshire Search & Rescue while searches for the boy took place.
“Searches have continued today (Monday), and a body has been recovered from the river by specialist police divers from Avon and Somerset Police.
“Although formal identification has not yet taken place, the boy’s next of kin have been informed and they are being supported by trained officers.
“Gloucestershire Constabulary has said their thoughts are with the boy’s family and friends at this distressing time. The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.”
Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service said crews were called to the incident by the Coastguard after reports of a group of teenagers had been playing in the river and had not resurfaced.
A spokesperson said: “We were called at 10.03pm by the coast guard to reports that some teenagers believed to be aged about 17, had been playing in the river at Lechlade and one hadn’t resurfaced.
“We assisted the search by sending three crews from Fairford, Gloucester South and Tewkesbury, along with boat crews. We liaised with coast guard and the police, who were co-ordinating the search, and came away from the scene at about 4am.”
