Boy of 14 drowns in police college pool

A boy of 14 drowned and a 15-year-old teenager was on a life-support machine yesterday after they were found unconscious in a pool at a police training school.

The boys were dragged from the pool at Hendon training college in north London after they were seen under water. They were among 30 youngsters taking part in a government initiative to help young people from deprived and crime-ridden estates.

Shortly before the disaster a third boy, aged 15, was treated at the poolside for a leg injury. It is not known whether this was linked to the death.

A police inquiry was set up last night, overseen by the Police Complaints Authority. The Health and Safety Executive has also been informed.

It was unclear last night who was responsible for the care of the teenagers. A Scotland Yard spokesman said police were waiting to talk to the lifeguard on duty but that he was in a state of shock. The two boys were found unconscious in the pool at about 2pm and a lifeguard pulled them out and gave them first aid.

One boy was taken to Northwick Park Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 3.30pm. The second boy was taken to Barnet General Hospital where his condition was described last night as "critical". The third boy has also been taken to Northwick Park Hospital. The dead youth has not yet been named while the police contact his parents.

The pool, at the main training college for the Metropolitan Police, was being used by two youth groups as part of a £12m scheme called Splash, run during the summer holidays with Barnet Council.

Ian Blair, Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, said: "This is a tragic and dreadful event and I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the families and friends of both boys.''