An urgent search is underway for a 16-year-old boy who has gone missing after getting into difficulty at a popular swimming spot.
The teenager disappeared in the lake in Beckenham Place park in Lewisham, south London, just after 3pm today.
The park has been closed and members of the public evacuated due to the ‘serious’ incident’, Lewisham Council said.
Specialist firefighters with oxygen tanks and a police helicopter were spotted in the park this afternoon.
Police said the 16-year-old’s family has been informed and they are being supported by officers.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: ‘Police were called at 15:08hrs on Friday, 04 April to Beckenham Place park.
‘A 16-year-old boy is believed to have got into difficulty in the water and is now missing.
‘Emergency services are currently co-ordinating a search.
An urgent search is underway for a 16-year-old who is missing after getting into difficulty in a lake
An aerial view of the search area in Beckenham Park Place in Lewisham on Friday
‘The next of kin has been informed and are currently being supported by specialist officers.
‘The park has been evacuated to facilitate the search.’
Lewisham Council posted on X at 5.20pm: ‘We are aware of a serious incident at Beckenham Place Park. Council staff are supporting the Police on site.
‘The park is currently closed.’
This is a breaking news story – more to follow
