UPDATE: Tragedy as body of teen found in river after major search in Lechlade
A search is underway in Lechlade after a ‘boy went missing in the River Thames’.
Emergency services were first called to the scene at around 10pm last night (Sunday 30 April).
It’s believed that a group of young people entered the water near The Round House, but a boy – whose age is currently unknown – remains missing.
Police, including two detectives, are attending the scene this morning (Monday) following a full-scale search of the river overnight.
A police helicopter was tasked with the operation and arrived above the operation at around 11pm – circling the area for around one hour.
Boats were deployed on the Thames as 999 crews frantically searched for the boy. A police dog also searched along the embankment.
Into the early hours of this morning, police, fire crews and ambulances lined the A361 and filled nearby car parks.
Searches are expected to continue throughout today, with Wiltshire Search and Rescue tasked.
The boy’s family and other loved ones are being supported by a police officer.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Gloucestershire Constabulary said: “Searches have been taking place in the River Thames after a report a teenager was in the water near Lechlade on Thames.
“Police were called at around 10pm yesterday (Sunday 30 April) and emergency services attended.
“Officers have been supported by the National Police Air Service, Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service and Severn Area Rescue Association while searches continued into the early hours of this morning (Monday).
“The teenage boy has not yet been located, and specialist search teams will be continuing with the search today (Monday). His next of kin are aware.
“A group of four had been at the location together, and some had entered the water to try and find the boy. The others are accounted for.”
The Riverside pub’s landlord rushed to the establishment and opened it up for the emergency services and the other teenagers involved to warm up.
On social media, they wrote: “The incident from last night happened at the Round House not at the Riverside which has been reported by the Press.
“The pub was closed at the time of the incident but I came over and opened it up for the police and incident team to use and for the kids to get in the warm and dry off. We’re all hoping the young lad is found safe and well.”
