Boy, 14, drowns in London dock

A 14-year-old boy drowned in London on Monday, police said.

Officers were called at 6:48pm on Monday, 3 August to reports that a 14-year-old boy had entered the Millwall Outer Dock near East Ferry Road.

The boy was retrieved from the river at 10:30pm and pronounced dead, the Metropolitan police said.

His next-of-kin have been made aware and are being supported by officers.

The boy's death is being treated as unexpected but not suspicious.

Officers worked with the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade to carry out an extensive search in efforts to locate him.

Detective Superintendent Oliver Richter said: "Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of this young boy at this incredibly difficult time. As the warm weather continues, I would urge everyone to remember that open water can present serious dangers. Please only swim in designated areas and take the time to speak with children and young people about staying safe around water."

Apsana Begum, the local MP, warned that: "Local waters may look safe, but can be highly dangerous. Please only swim in areas officially marked for swimming and where lifeguards are on duty."

"I am deeply saddened by the reports from Millwall Outer Dock, where a child drowned last night. My thoughts and prayers are with them and their loved ones following this tragedy."

There has been a spate of water-related deaths this year as the UK experienced record temperatures.

Monday marked the 20th day of 2026 when temperatures of 32C or higher were recorded in the UK, exceeding the previous record of 19 days set in 1995, the Met Office said.

London had been under a UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) amber heat health alert during the latest heat spike, which is due to last until Wednesday morning.

The RNLI issued a water safety warning in May after a series of water-related deaths.

The organisation warned that: "While the air temperature is warm, the seas are still cold and cold water shock remains a very real risk."

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It added that the effects of entering waters of 15C or below are "often underestimated", and "this shock can be the precursor to drowning".

It increases the heart rate, leading to blood pressure also going up, meaning cold shocks can cause heart attacks even in relatively young and healthy people.

Breathing rates can change uncontrollably and increase as much as tenfold, the charity says.

This can all contribute to a feeling of panic, which in turn increases the risk of inhaling water into the lungs.

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