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Yesterday evening police were called to Millwall Outer Dock on the Isle of Dogs, where a group of children had been swimming. After initially jumping in together the children realised that one of their friends, a 14-year-old boy, had not surfaced.
Local officers attended alongside the National Police Air Service, MPS Marine Unit, London Fire Brigade and the London Ambulance Service. Despite the best efforts of all involved, I am incredibly sad to notify you that the child could not be saved.
Specially trained officers are supporting their family, as well as the friends who were present, through this unimaginable time.
A personal plea from me: as a London borough we are fortunate to have access to so many amazing bodies of water. Naturally in this hot weather it becomes incredibly tempting to use these in as many ways as possible, including swimming. However this should only be done in areas officially designated for such and with lifeguards on duty. One tragedy of this nature is too many, so please can I encourage everyone to have conversations reiterating the danger that water can bring, especially with children and young people within our community.
Oliver Richter, Detective Superintendent If you need any further information in relation to this message, please email Oliver.Richter@met.police.uk or reply directly. 
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