Mother and child die after getting ‘ into difficulty ‘ in water in London park

Police thanked first responders and members of the public at Elthorne Park who “did their very best in an incredibly challenging situation”.

Police and firefighters at the scene in Elthorne Park

A mother and her child have died after getting “into difficulty” in the water in a west London park, police said.

Officers were called just before 4.30pm to Elthorne Park, Ealing, which is bordered by the River Brent, following “reports of two people in difficulty in the water”.

The pair, believed to be a mother and her son, were recovered from the water, but died at the scene. Their ages have not been revealed.

A Metropolitan Police statement said: “Officers attended with the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade.

“A woman and child were recovered from the water. We are not able to confirm their ages at this stage.

“Very sadly, despite the best efforts of the emergency services who provided urgent medical care, they were both pronounced dead at the scene.”

Police are working to identify their next of kin.

Detective Superintendent Pete Thackray, from the Met’s West Area Command Unit, said: “This is a tragic incident in which a woman and her young child have lost their lives. Our thoughts are with their loved ones.

“I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of the first responders, and members of the public, who did their very best in an incredibly challenging situation.

“While an investigation into what took place is under way, all initial indications are that the circumstances are not suspicious.”
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