Emergency services are conducting a search for an 11-year-old boy who has disappeared in the River Don in Yorkshire. Police said that the youngster was spotted entering the water close to Ferry Boat Lane, in the Doncaster town of Mexborough, at approximately 8pm on Saturday, May 30.
He was not seen emerging from the water, and reportedly left his belongings on the riverbank. Land, air and water rescue teams, including underwater divers, helicopters and drones, have been scouring the area today, Sunday, May 31.
Members of the public have been urged to stay away from the area, reports Yorkshire Live.
Multi-Agency Operation Underway
A South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: "Firefighters were called yesterday, Saturday 30 May, to assist with the search of an 11-year-old boy who had entered the water near Ferry Boat Lane, Mexborough, Doncaster. Crews attended to assist with the search but unfortunately were unable to locate the missing boy."
"Search efforts are currently still ongoing today, Sunday 31 May, and we have a number of resources still on scene. This is an active multi-agency operation, and we ask that the public remain away from the area while the search is ongoing."
A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "Ongoing search of the River Don utilising specialist resources. We were called to Ferry Boat Lane in Mexborough at 7.59pm yesterday, Saturday 30 May, to reports that an 11-year-old boy had entered the water but had not been seen getting out."
"Officers, alongside emergency crews from the National Police Air Service, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, and the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, responded and a specialist search operation remains underway. The boy's family has been informed and is being supported by specially trained officers."
Police Appeal for Public Cooperation
Doncaster Response Team Inspector Neil Pryce added: "We know, from witnesses and items left on the riverbank, where the boy entered the water. Utilising specialist knowledge and skills, a coordinated multi-agency operation is underway and we are doing everything we can to find this young man."
"We are invaluably assisted by an underwater search team, supported from above by the police helicopter and drones. This is a tragic incident and we understand that members of the public want to do all they can to help but we must ask that, for everyone's safety, only those who are involved in our operation enter the River Don."
"To give the boy and his family the dignity they deserve, we ask that people do not spectate or film the search operation."
