Body found as teenage kayaker goes missing

Rescuers searching for a missing kayaker after an upturned boat and oars were found floating in the Thames have recovered a body.

The kayaker is thought to have been a teenage boy who was taking part in the Richmond Hasler Marathon. London Coastguard and police found a body in the early afternoon but would not confirm if it was that of the missing boy.

Fran Perrow, 47, from Twickenham, said she saw a police diver signal for help after finding a body in the water.

"After the kayak was found yesterday the organisers did a head count of the competitors and one was found to be missing," Ms Perrow said. "People are horrified and very saddened. This is really a tragic and awful event."