12-year-old boy drowns in River Lea at Hackney Marshes

A 12-year-old boy died after entering the River Lea near Hackney Marshes on the evening of 15 August 2026. Emergency services were called to the scene at 6 pm following reports that a child was in the water.

London Fire Brigade and Metropolitan Police conducted a search of the river. Firefighters from Edmonton and Bethnal Green fire stations, along with a drone team, assisted in the operation. The boy’s body was recovered shortly after midnight on 16 August and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mayor issues statement

Mayor of Hackney Zoë Garbett released a statement on 16 August expressing condolences to the boy’s family. She described the incident as a 'devastating loss for our community' and urged the public to respect the family’s privacy.

Garbett also thanked emergency services for their response. A London Fire Brigade spokesperson confirmed the boy’s death and described the search operation, which involved police divers.

What happens next

An investigation into the drowning is ongoing. The Metropolitan Police and London Fire Brigade have not released further details about the circumstances. The family has not been named publicly.