An 11-year-old girl is feared to have drowned after she went missing following an incident near the River Thames, east London, on Monday afternoon.
The child had been paddling in the water during a break from school when she slipped and fell into the river, sparking a large-scale search operation involving multiple emergency services.
The incident occurred around 13:15 BST near Barge House Causeway, a concrete slope used for transporting boats, close to London City Airport.
The girl was reportedly playing near the water with two other children when the tragedy struck. Residents who witnessed the aftermath shared their accounts of the distressing events.
A Day of Play Turns to Tragedy
The young girl had been enjoying a break from school on a sunny afternoon, accompanied by a young boy and another girl, when she ventured into the water. Local resident Kerry Benadjaoud, 62, recounted discovering the child’s belongings scattered near the river.
“I found her shoes, a sock, a coat, and a phone near the water’s edge,” she told the Press Association. “I immediately handed the items to the police when they arrived.”
According to eyewitnesses, the girl had taken off her socks and shoes and was paddling in the shallows of the river when disaster struck.
One of the children who had been playing with her reportedly told bystanders that he had tried to hold the girl’s hand as she fell into the water, but his grip failed, and she was swept away.
The young boy, believed to be around eight or nine years old, was understandably distressed by the incident. “The little boy turned around and said ‘I tried to hold her hand but it slipped,'” said Benadjaoud, noting the emotional impact this would likely have on the child.
She added that the boy needed immediate support, urging his parents to ensure he received assistance as the traumatic experience could affect him later in life.
Emergency Services Launch Search Effort
As news of the incident spread, emergency services swiftly responded to the scene. The Metropolitan Police were the first to be called to the site, where they launched a search operation involving boats, helicopters, and specialist teams.
Units from HM Coastguard, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), and the London Fire Brigade (LFB) were all involved in the search for the missing child.
A “large-scale response” was mobilized by the emergency services, which included divers and search teams scouring the river. However, after several hours, the RNLI and LFB teams were stood down, and the operation was scaled back.
Despite their best efforts, the girl’s whereabouts remained unknown, and the search efforts continued throughout the day.
Residents Speak Out
Shaleen Rajaendram, a local resident living on Barge House Road, recalled hearing the panic-stricken shouts of bystanders as the tragedy unfolded. “I heard a man screaming from the balcony above, saying ‘Wait there, wait, the police are coming,'” Rajaendram said.
“He had been alerted by the children shouting and screaming. Then I saw two kids rushing to the top of the bridge and they told me one of their friends had gone into the water and couldn’t be found.”
Barge House Causeway, where the incident occurred, is a steep concrete slope that leads directly into the river.
The area is frequently used for boat transport, but residents noted that the slope is often covered in moss, making it slippery and potentially hazardous, particularly for young children.
Community in Shock
The local community has been left in shock by the incident, with many expressing their sympathy for the family of the missing girl. The area, which is typically quiet, was suddenly thrust into a scene of chaos as police and emergency responders arrived.
“It’s such a quiet area usually,” said Rajaendram. “To hear something like this happening here is devastating.” Many residents also spoke of their concern over the safety of the location.
While Barge House Causeway is used for its practical purpose of boat transportation, the presence of moss and its slippery surface has led to concerns about the safety of those who may venture near the river, especially children.
Search for Answers Continues
As the search for the missing girl continues, police have urged anyone with information or who witnessed the incident to come forward.
“We are continuing our inquiries and search efforts in relation to this tragic incident,” a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police stated. “Our thoughts are with the family of the missing child at this incredibly difficult time.”
The search operation is ongoing, and while emergency crews have been withdrawn from the immediate area, police have assured the public that efforts to locate the child will continue.
The investigation will also likely involve examining the area around Barge House Causeway to assess whether safety measures need to be put in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Impact on the Local Community
The incident has struck a deep chord within the local community, which has been left reeling from the events of Monday afternoon.
Several residents described how the children involved had been playing in the water on a peaceful afternoon, unaware that their playful moment would end in tragedy.
The emotional toll on the children who were with the girl is immense, as they now must live with the trauma of witnessing their friend vanish into the river.
“The little boy was visibly shaken and distraught,” said Benadjaoud. “It’s going to be something that stays with him for a long time.”
The community’s collective grief has been evident in the outpouring of support for the missing girl’s family. Many have expressed their sorrow for the devastating loss and their hopes for her safe return.
While the search has yet to yield results, residents and emergency responders are holding onto the hope that the missing girl will be found.
A Call for Increased Safety Measures
In the wake of the tragedy, there have been calls from residents and safety experts to reconsider the design and accessibility of areas like Barge House Causeway, which could pose risks to children and other vulnerable individuals.
The slippery slope, combined with the lack of barriers along the riverbank, has raised concerns about the need for greater precautionary measures to protect individuals from accidents, particularly during warmer months when people are more likely to visit the riverbank.
“People don’t always realize how dangerous these spots can be, especially when they’re not familiar with the area,” said one concerned local. “Maybe this will prompt a reassessment of safety measures for the whole area.”
As of now, the search for the missing child continues, and the local community remains hopeful that the tragic incident will prompt changes that could prevent similar accidents in the future.
The girl’s family is being supported by authorities, and local residents are rallying together to support each other during this difficult time.
