Missing teenager Lechlade - live: Body found in search for boy who disappeared in River Thames
Police were called at about 10pm on Sunday after the boy was spotted in the River Thames
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A body has been found in the search for a teenager in the River Thames near Lechlade-on-Thames.
Gloucestershire Police were called at about 10pm on Sunday after the boy was spotted in the River Thames near Lechlade on Thames.
Four teenagers believed to be about 17 had been in the river when one of the boys went missing. Some of the group had entered the water to try and find him.
After an extensive search by emergency services, police said a body had been located on Monday but that formal identification has not yet taken place.
The boy’s next of kin have been informed and they are being supported by trained officers.
Gloucestershire Police has said their thoughts are with the boy’s family and friends at this distressing time.
We’re pausing our live coverage for the evening but you can read more on this story here.
What have the police said?
A statement from Gloucestershire Constabulary said: “A body has been found in the search for a teenager in the River Thames near Lechlade-on-Thames.
“Police were called at around 10pm yesterday, Sunday 30 April, with a report a 17-year-old boy was in the water.
“A group of five had been at the location together last night, and some had entered the water to try and find him. The others are accounted for.
“Officers were supported by the National Police Air Service, Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, Severn Area Rescue Association and Wiltshire Search & Rescue while searches for the boy took place.
“Searches have continued today (Monday), and a body has been recovered from the river by specialist police divers from Avon and Somerset Police.
“Although formal identification has not yet taken place, the boy’s next of kin have been informed and they are being supported by trained officers.
“Gloucestershire Constabulary 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.”
Body found in search for missing teenager
A body has been found in the search for a teenager in the River Thames near Lechlade-on-Thames.
Although formal identification has not yet taken place, the boy’s next of kin have been informed and they are being supported by trained officers, Gloucestershire Police said today.
The force said their thoughts are with the boy’s family and friends at this difficult time.
The death is not being treated as suspicious by police.
Major search underway for boy missing after playing in river with friends
A major police search is underway for a teenager who went missing in a river in Gloucestershire.
Gloucestershire Police were called at around 10pm on Sunday after the boy was spotted in the River Thames near Lechlade-on-Thames.
It is understood the boy had been playing with three others by the river, all believed to be aged around 17, and some of the group had entered the water to try and find him.
Tara Cobham has the details.
Major search underway for boy missing after playing in river with friends
Police called on Sunday night after boy spotted in River Thames near Lechlade-on-Thames
Boater offers help to emergency crews
A boater offered to help emergency crews and take them upstream after they arrived to search for the missing boy on Sunday night.
The 66-year-old told the Daily Mirror: “I was on board last night and saw when the search and rescue helicopter came about 10.45.
“Ambulances and rescue people from Filton arrived and asked me whether I knew the river. I said yeah, I know it well. They asked me to describe it and how far up this bridge is where they were jumping off from and camping.
“I got out a map and showed them. I said if you want to go up the river...boat’s warmed up, engine’s going, you can stand on the front with a torch, I’ll give you a light and we’ll go upstream and have an initial look.”
What has the fire service said?
A Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: “We were called at 10.03pm by the coastguard to reports that some teenagers, believed to be aged about 17, had been playing in the river at Lechlade and one hadn’t resurfaced.
“We assisted the search by sending three crews from Fairford, Gloucester South and Tewkesbury along with boat crews.
“We liaised with coastguards and the police who were coordinating the search and came away from the scene at about 4am.”
What have the police said?
A Gloucestershire Police spokesperson said: “Searches have been taking place in the River Thames after a report a teenager was in the water near Lechlade on Thames.
“Police were called at around 10pm yesterday (Sunday April 30) and emergency services attended.
“Officers have been supported by the National Police Air Service, Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service and Severn Area Rescue Association while searches continued into the early hours of this morning (Monday).
“The teenage boy has not yet been located and specialist search teams will be continuing with the search today (Monday). His next of kin are aware.
“A group of four had been at the location together and some had entered the water to try and find the boy. The others are accounted for.”
Who is searching for the missing boy today?
The Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service are searching the scene today.
They have been joined by teams from Severn Area Rescue Association teams at Sharpness, Tewkesbury and Upton-on-Severn.
Major search underway for boy missing after playing in river with friends
A major police search is underway for a teenager who went missing in a river in Gloucestershire.
Gloucestershire Police were called at around 10pm on Sunday after the boy was spotted in the River Thames near Lechlade-on-Thames.
It is understood the boy had been playing with three others by the river, all believed to be aged around 17, and some of the group had entered the water to try and find him.
Tara Cobham reports.
Major search underway for boy missing after playing in river with friends
Police called on Sunday night after boy spotted in River Thames near Lechlade-on-Thames
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