River Thames: Body of man in early 20s recovered from water near Hampton Court Palace

The body of a man in his early 20s has been recovered from the River Thames near Hampton Court Palace.

Met and Surrey Police officers, firefighters, paramedics and the lifeboat mounted a search yesterday (Sunday, August 14) after being alerted at just after 4pm to reports of a person in the water.

At around 10.30, the body of a man - believed to be aged in his early 20s - was recovered from the water by police divers.

Supt Richard Smith, from the Met, said: “I must again sadly reiterate the dangers the water poses.

"It may look appealing but the danger and risk of loss of life is incredibly real.”

The man’s next of kin have been informed.

The Met’s southwest command unit and Surrey Police responded and were assisted by the National Police Air Service, London Fire Brigade, London Ambulance Service and the RNLI.

“Our thoughts go out to the young man who has lost his life,” Supt Smith added.

“Our officers worked incredibly hard with partner agencies but despite a rapid response he could not be rescued.

"We recently saw another tragic incident in which a young boy died after entering the Thames at Tagg’s Island.

“Please do not enter the water at any point. The consequences are enormous and we do not want to see any more families having to suffer such terrible news."