A 12-year-old boy has drowned in the River Lea near Hackney Marshes.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB), Met Police and the London Ambulance Service were called to reports of a person in the water in the river, in north-east London, just after 6pm on Saturday.

In a statement on Monday morning, London Fire Brigade said: “Firefighters were called to reports of a person in the water and crews carried out a systematic search of the river alongside officers from the Metropolitan Police Service.

“Sadly, a boy was declared dead at the scene, following the recovery of a body by police divers.”

After being alerted to the incident, the emergency services carried out an extensive search.

The boy was recovered from the water shortly after midnight on Saturday.

His death is being treated as unexpected.

Detective Inspector Azmeen Pinnu, who is leading the investigation, said: "This is a deeply tragic incident and our thoughts are with the boy's family, friends and the wider community.

"We also make a plea to the public to avoid speculation and refrain from sharing distressing material online out of respect for the family and to preserve the investigation.

"This incident is now being investigated on behalf of the coroner, and enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances of what happened.”

Mayor of Hackney, Zoë Garbett, told of a “deep sense of shock and sadness” over the drowning.

“All of our thoughts are with the child's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time,” she said.

"This is a devastating loss for our community, and I know many will be feeling a deep sense of shock and sadness.

"The boy's family will need time to grieve this unimaginable loss, so please respect their privacy."

She praised the emergency services for their "rapid response" and "extensive efforts" on Saturday.

In a statement, the Met Police said: “A 12-year-old boy has sadly died after entering the water at Hackney Marshes.

“At around 18:00hrs on Saturday, 15 August officers, the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade were called to reports that a boy had entered the water near the River Lea at Hackney Marshes, E9.

“Emergency services carried out an extensive search of the area.

“The boy was recovered from the water at approximately 00:15hrs on Sunday, 16 August and was pronounced deceased a short time after.

“His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

“The boy’s death is being treated as unexpected.”