Police recover body from river in search for teenager

A body has been found in the search for a missing teenager in the river near Lechlade-on-Thames. Police were called at around 10pm yesterday (Sunday, April 30) to reports of a 17-year-old boy in the water after he failed to resurface. Emergency crews launched a major search[1] operation in the Cotswolds town after a group of five had been playing in the River Thames.

Some of the group had entered the water to try and find the missing boy. All others were accounted for. Searches continued today (Monday, May 1) and a body has been recovered from the river by specialist police divers from Avon and Somerset Police.

Formal identification has not yet taken place, but the boy's next of kin have been informed and they are being supported by trained officers. Gloucestershire Police were supported by the National Police Air Service, Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, Severn Area Rescue Association and Wiltshire Search & Rescue in the search. Residents who live near the area told the PA news agency police launched a rescue boat from Lechlade marina and searched the water.

The force has said their thoughts are with the boy's family and friends at this distressing time.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

References

1. ^ launched a major search (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
2. ^ Major search mission after teen playing in river goes missing (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)