A massive multi-agency search was launched yesterday to try and locate the boy who had entered the River Waveney with friends but had not resurfaced, police said
Police have pulled the body of a teenage boy from a river after he “entered the water with friends”.
This week has seen parts of the UK reach sweltering temperatures of up to 34C, as the summer brings the warmer weather fire crews tend to see an increase in water related incidents as people turn to lakes and rivers to cool off.
Shortly before 7.30pm on Wednesday, July 2 emergency services rushed to Beccles Quay, off Fen Lane, in Suffolk after concerns for the safety of a teenager. The boy, who has not been named, had entered the River Waveney with friends but had not resurfaced, according to police.
A massive multi-agency search was launched to try and locate the boy with Suffolk Fire & Rescue, East of England Ambulance Service, air ambulance crew and HM Coastguard as well as police working together at the scene.
READ MORE: Hotels and homes evacuated as wildfires rip through popular Greek holiday island
Sadly, the body of a teenage boy was found and recovered from the water. The boy’s next of kin have been notified, Suffolk Police confirmed.
A spokesperson for Suffolk police said: “Police can confirm the body of a teenager has been located in the River Waveney in Beccles. Officers were called to Beccles Quay, off Fen Lane, just before 7:30pm, following concerns for the safety of a teenage boy who had entered the river with friends but had not resurfaced.
“A multi-agency operation was launched, with police, Suffolk Fire & Rescue, East of England Ambulance Service, air ambulance crew and HM Coastguard all in attendance to the incident. Searches were conducted and sadly the body of a teenage boy has now been located and recovered from the water. The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file with be prepared for the coroner in due course. The boy’s next of kin have been notified.”
London Fire Brigade (LFB) issued a warning just two weeks ago about the dangers of rivers, lakes and waterways as temperatures soar. LFB has attended more than 280 water-related incidents this year so far, an increase of about 15% compared with the same period in 2024, it said. They have included incidents such as sinking and capsized boats, individuals trapped in mud or caught by the tide, and people and animals in distress in the water. Fifteen incidents resulted in people drowning in London, the fire brigade said.
Jules Pipe, deputy mayor for the fire service, said: “London’s rivers, lakes and waterways can look very appealing when the temperatures rise, however, they can contain hidden dangers.
“The mayor and I are working to improve the capital’s waterways for everyone to enjoy, and I urge everyone to heed London Fire Brigade’s advice to stay safe in and around water. As the hot weather continues and with the summer holidays looming, this timely work with young people will help save lives and build a safer London for everyone.”