Daniel Alaby: 'Tragic' death of Thamesmead 5-year-old found in River Thames

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a five-year-old boy who was found in the River Thames.

The Met issued an appeal on Friday (March 29), to locate missing boy Daniel Alaby from Thamesmead.

At shortly after 6.20pm officers looking for Daniel found a child in the River Thames.

Officers pulled the child from the water and administered CPR before the arrival of London Ambulance Service paramedics.

Police say the child, believed to be Daniel, and was taken to hospital in a critical condition. He was pronounced dead at hospital later that evening.

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The Met said in a statement: "Daniel’s family have been made aware. They are being supported by police officers.

"Enquiries are under way to establish the circumstances of the incident. Anyone who may have seen Daniel on Friday evening is asked to call police on 101 or post @MetCC ref 4592/29MAR24.

"At this very early stage, there is no evidence to suggest that any other person was involved. Enquiries continue to establish the circumstances."

West Thamesmead Community Church posted on its Facebook page: "There will be a book of condolences available for the community to sign, in memory of Daniel Alaby, at West Thamesmead Community Church's Easter Eggstravaganza, at Heronsgate School today, 2-4pm. (Goosander Way car park entrance, SE280EA).

"Our deepest sympathy, love and prayers, go out to his family, friends and the community, at this tragic time."

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 6.24pm on Friday 29 March to reports of an incident near Woolwich Arsenal Pier.

“We sent multiple resources to the scene, including ambulance crews, an incident response officer, members of our hazardous area response team and an advanced paramedic in a fast response car.

“Our first medics arrived on scene within six minutes. We treated a patient at the scene before taking them to a hospital."