Police and emergency crews are searching for a schoolgirl, 11, who was reported to have fallen into the River Thames.
The terrifying event occurred this afternoon near Woolwich, London at Barge House Causeway, prompting a ‘large-scale response’.
Coastguards and paramedics were among those rushed to the scene along with multiple search and rescue teams.
The operation has also involved the Coast Guard, Border Force vessels, and a search and rescue helicopter, with a large presence still in place along the riverbank.
Authorities have made use of drones, boats and aerial support though there is yet to be any confirmation of recovery at this time.
The Metropolitan Police said: ‘Police were called at around 13:15hrs on Monday, 31 March to reports of an 11-year-old girl who had entered the River Thames near to Barge House Causeway, E16.
‘A large scale response is ongoing, supported by all emergency services, working together to conduct an extensive search in efforts to locate her.
‘Her next of kin have been made aware and are being supported by officers.’
Police have said a large scale response is ongoing, supported by all emergency services, working together to conduct an extensive search in efforts to locate
A fire rescue boat carries out an extensive search of the area after police were called this afternoon
Coastguards and paramedics were among those rushed to the scene along with multiple search and rescue teams
The terrifying event occurred this afternoon near Woolwich, London at Barge House Causeway prompting a ‘large-scale response’
Authorities have made use of drones, boats and aerial support though there is yet to be any confirmation of recovery at this time
A London Ambulance Service spokesman said: ‘We sent resources to the scene, including an ambulance crew, an advanced paramedic, an incident response officer and members of our hazardous area response team.
‘Our crews assisted our emergency services partners at the scene but were later stood down.’
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Joseph Kenny said: ‘Firefighters responded to reports of a person in the River Thames near Lowestoft Mews, Newham.
‘Crews from East Ham, Barking, Ilford and Bexley fire stations were sent to the scene alongside crews from the HM Coastguard, RNLI, London Ambulance Service and the Metropolitan Police Service. The Brigade also deployed its drone team and fire boat as part of its response, with crews carrying out a systematic search of the area.
‘The Brigade was first called about the incident at 1323. Search operations for firefighters were concluded at 1549, when responsibility for the incident was left with the police.’
MailOnline has contacted the HM Coastguard for comment.
