Police are continuing to search for the body of a missing 14-year-old boy believed to have drowned in the Thames after going for a swim to cool off.
It came as the number of heatwave deaths in open water and off Britain’s coasts rose to at least 11.
Met officers were alerted by London Ambulance Service to reports that a child had entered the water and was in difficulty at Tagg’s Island in Hampton, Richmond just before 5pm on Monday.
Despite a search by officers, paramedics, fire crews and members of the public, efforts to find the boy were unsuccessful and the rescue operation was brought to an end at 6.40pm.
Efforts to recover his body continue, with the boy’s next of kin aware and being supported by specialist officers.
Divers from the Police Marine Unit will be on scene for most of Tuesday, a spokesman said.
A family liaison officer has been relaying the latest on the search to the boy’s distraught relatives and friends.
Two visited the scene for an update and wept as they spoke to officers.
Emergency services and the Government have reiterated urgent warnings about the dangers of trying to keep cool after at least 11 tragedies in waterways and reservoirs since July 9.
Superintendent Richard Smith, from the South West Command Unit, said: “Despite the very best efforts of all involved, we must now sadly conclude that this young boy has died.
“His death is a tragedy and I cannot begin to imagine what his family will be going through. All our thoughts are with them.
“I know that on days like today when temperatures are at a record high, it might look appealing to jump in and cool off in rivers, reservoirs, lakes or other open water.
“Please don’t. The dangers are real and this evening in Richmond we have seen the terrible consequences of what happens when it goes wrong.
“To young people in particular, I would urge you to be the person in your group of friends who says no and reminds others about the dangers.
“Your intervention could save a life and save another family from experiencing such an awful loss.”
It came after the family of 13-year-old Robert Hattersley said they were “absolutely devastated” after he died when he got into trouble in the River Tyne in Northumberland on Sunday.
Emergency services also confirmed the deaths of a 16-year-old boy in Salford Quays, Greater Manchester, a 16-year-old boy in Bray Lake near Maidenhead, Berkshire, and a 50-year-old man in a reservoir near Leeds in similar circumstances.
