Boy dies after being pulled from river as 3 teens rescued from water

14 May 2023 , 10:37
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Officers raced to the River Soar, in Leicestershire, at around 9.15pm last night (Image: Leicestershire Live WS)
Officers raced to the River Soar, in Leicestershire, at around 9.15pm last night (Image: Leicestershire Live WS)

A boy has died after being pulled from a river in Leicestershire last night, police have said.

Officers raced to the village of Barrow-upon-Soar at around 9.15pm after reports of four male teenagers entering the water.

A huge search operation was launched with "masses of police officers" deployed to the area and assisted by the force helicopter.

One boy, who has not been identified, was rescued from the water but sadly pronounced dead a short time later.

The three other boys were found safe and received medical attention.

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Sarah, who was in a nearby pub at the time, claimed that one of the teenagers had tried to save his friend who was unable to swim.

She told the Mirror: "We just saw people crying and loads of emergency services turned up. I saw a couple of lads running around wet and a very distressed boy with the paramedics.

Boy dies after being pulled from river as 3 teens rescued from waterA cordon remains in place around a small section of the river (Leicestershire Live WS)

"He apparently tried to save his friend who couldn’t swim. They were messing around prior pushing each other and jumping off the bridge.

"The pub was asked to turn the music off and then everyone was asked to leave."

A helicopter with a bright searchlight was seen circling the village for around an hour, said another eyewitness who was at the pub.

They added: "We cut our night short because it didn't feel right having a laugh while all of this was happening outside."

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service was first alerted at 9.09pm and sent a specialist water rescue team to the scene.

Police officers joined shortly afterwards.

Boy dies after being pulled from river as 3 teens rescued from waterA huge search operation was launched, assisted by the force helicopter (Leicestershire Live WS)

A force spokesperson said: "At 9.15pm yesterday (Saturday 13 May) officers were called to the area of Bridge Street in Barrow-upon-Soar by Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service.

"It was reported that four teenage boys had entered the water. Following a search of the water, one boy was rescued but was pronounced dead a short time later.

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"The other three were found safe and received medical attention.

"Specially-trained officers are providing support to the boy’s family and are engaging with the other three boys.

"A file will be prepared for the coroner and identification of the deceased is a matter for HM Coroner."

A cordon remains in place around a small section of the river.

Katie Weston

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