Fairlop Waters: Police divers searching lake after reports boy, 17, missing in water

Police are searching in Fairlop Waters’ lake after concern that a 17-year-old boy went missing in the water in the early hours of the morning.

Emergency services - including the London Ambulance Service and Fire Brigade - were called to the country park in Forest Road, Redbridge, at 12.30am today (Monday, July 4).

The Met said that a 17-year-old boy had entered the water and was unaccounted for. His next of kin have been informed.

A specialist team from the Met’s Marine Unit and the National Police Air Service (NPAS) have been called to the scene to help with the search.

It is thought that divers are due to enter the lake - which is used for water sports such as sailing and wind surfing - today to assist the hunt.

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 12.46am today (04 July) to reports of an incident at Fairlop Waters, Redbridge.

“We sent an ambulance, an incident response officer, two paramedics in response cars, and members of our Hazardous Area Response Team.

“The first of our medics arrived at the scene in under five minutes. There were no patients, and we were later stood down.”

The entire park has been closed to the public, according to Redbridge Council.

The council’s deputy leader, Cllr Kam Rai, said: “ Following what appears to be an incidence of misadventure on the lake at Fairlop Waters in the early hours, the park will be closed until further notice.

“Vision staff are on site and an update will be provided as soon as possible.”

While Ilford North MP Wes Streeting said: “Following an incident on the lake at Fairlop Waters in the early hours of this morning, the park is closed to visitors at the request of the emergency services.

“At this moment we do not know when the park will be re-opened.

“Please check the council’s website for further updates.”

More to follow - email [email protected] with information