A body has been found in the search for missing Mackenzie Swift, 11, who vanished after entering the River Don in Mexborough, South Yorkshire, on Saturday during the heatwave
A body has been found in the search for an 11-year-old boy who went missing after entering a river. Mackenzie Swift had not been seen since he ventured into the River Don on Saturday.
South Yorkshire Police had previously warned his heartbroken family that he could not have survived in the water. But in a recent update, District commander for Doncaster chief superintendent Pete Thorp said: “First and foremost, on behalf of all who have been involved in the operation to find Mackenzie since Saturday, I send deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
“Losing a child is every parent’s worst nightmare and I know the impact this news will have on the wider community and particularly Mackenzie’s school.”
He added: “The search for Mackenzie has been a real multi-agency effort and, while SYP are thankful to our emergency service colleagues and the underwater search team, I would like to take a moment to recognise Woodhead Mountain Rescue.
“While highly trained and skilled, many of their team are volunteers who give up their time to help search teams when they need it most.”
Over 15 people have lost their lives in the UK after going into water during the recent heatwave.
Police were summoned to Ferry Boat Lane in Mexborough, South Yorkshire, around 8pm on Saturday. Emergency teams from the National Police Air Service, Yorkshire Ambulance Service and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service also responded.
An underwater search team and Woodhead Mountain Rescue assisted.
In a statement posted on Facebook on Monday afternoon, South Yorkshire Police said: “While we are doing everything we can to find him, our family liaison officers have sadly had the heartbreaking conversation with Mackenzie’s family that if he had not exited the river on Saturday, he could not have survived in the water for this length of time.
“Sadly none of our inquiries so far have found any indication that he got out of the water.”
During the recent heatwave across the UK, at least 15 people have tragically lost their lives in water-related incidents.
On Monday evening, Norfolk Constabulary released a family tribute to Greg Howes after the 44-year- old sadly passed away following an incident on the River Yare at Surlingham, Norfolk, on Friday.
It read: “Greg was dearly loved by his family and loved spending time on the Norfolk Broads.
“At this sad time, his family would like to urge the public to take care and consider their safety when taking part in activities on the water on the Broads.”
Meanhile, the family of Lillianna Tomlinson, 16, released a tribute after she was recovered from the River Tame on Bodymoor Heath Lane in Kingsbury during frantic searches on Bank Holiday Monday.
Paying tribute today, the family said: “We’re deeply saddened to be writing that Lillianna’s life has been taken in the most tragic way. Our family is completely devastated and will be forever heartbroken.