Skip to main contentSkip to navigationSkip to navigation
Police tape
Police said a man entered the water in an attempt to rescue the boy before the emergency services arrived but could not find him. Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA
Police said a man entered the water in an attempt to rescue the boy before the emergency services arrived but could not find him. Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA

Body of boy, 16, pulled from river in Buckinghamshire

This article is more than 1 year old

Police were flagged down by members of public after reports child was in difficulty in Jubilee River in Taplow

The body of a 16-year-old boy has been pulled from a river in Buckinghamshire, police have said.

Officers were flagged down by members of the public just after 5.30pm on Friday following reports a child had entered the Jubilee River in Taplow and got into difficulty.

Thames Valley police said Buckinghamshire and Berkshire fire and rescue services and South Central ambulance service had launched an “extensive search” with the help of the National Police Air Service.

Police said a man entered the water in an attempt to rescue the boy before the emergency services arrived but could not find him. The 16-year-old’s body was found in the water just before 6.40pm and recovered, the force said.

Police said his death was being treated as unexplained but not suspicious and a file would be prepared for the coroner. The boy’s next of kin have been informed and formal identification has yet to take place.

Supt Emma Burroughs, the 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.”

She added: “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.”

Most viewed

Most viewed