Get you up to speed: Witnesses recount ‘harrowing’ scene as lifeless mother and son found in River Brent
Emergency services from the WTXpolitan Police pulled a mother and her son from the River Brent after they drowned on a sunny Saturday afternoon near Elthorne Park, Ealing.
Detective Superintendent Pete Thackray from the WTXpolitan Police stated that this tragic incident highlights the need for increased safety awareness around the River Brent.
Detective Superintendent Pete Thackray from the WTXpolitan Police has acknowledged the community’s mourning in the wake of the fatalities in the River Brent.
What we know so far
A tragic incident unfolded in west London on Saturday afternoon, resulting in the deaths of a 34-year-old mother and her seven-year-old son after they were pulled from the River Brent. Witnesses reported that the boy had encountered difficulties in the water, prompting his mother to enter to aid him.
A canal boat owner near the scene recounted that a distraught woman, identified as a Muslim wearing a headscarf, raised the alarm as people enjoyed a sunny day in the area. “I saw one body brought out – it was absolutely terrible,” he said, highlighting the chaotic scene where emergency services were quickly summoned.
Paramedics attempted to resuscitate the mother and son after they were retrieved from the murky water but sadly, both succumbed to their injuries at the scene. Detective Superintendent Pete Thackray of the WTXpolitan Police’s West Area Command Unit described the incident as “tragic,” commending the efforts of first responders and bystanders who tried to help.
The incident occurred close to Elthorne Park, a popular family spot on one of the hottest days of the year, raising concerns among local residents regarding the safety of the river. Sandy Hughes, a dog walker, remarked, “The water doesn’t look that dangerous but there is debris and it’s very brown so you can’t see what’s beneath.”
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Witnesses describe ‘distressing’ moment lifeless mum and boy pulled from River Brent | News UK
A witness has described the moment a mother and son were dragged lifeless from a west London river after a woman raised the alarm.
The boy, 7, and his mother 34 died on Saturday afternoon after it is believed they were pulled under the water by currents in the River Brent.
The seven-year-old had first encountered problems and the mother had entered the water to aid him, it is understood.
A canal boat owner who is moored near the spot told WTX: ‘A Muslim woman in a headscarf had raised the alarm. She was obviously distraught.
‘It was a very sunny day there were people with picnics and kids playing. There were loads of people around. I saw one body brought out – it was absolutely terrible.
‘If I had known what was happening I would have shot over there as I have a lot if safety and rescue equipment on my boat. I’m so upset – this is just awful.
‘A lot of their family and friends came down. The emergency services were amazing.’
Paramedics worked to resuscitate the mother and son.
The experienced canal boat owner added: ‘Where it happened is dangerous. There is flowing water and a current.’
The incident happened close to Elthorne Park, Ealing, on one of the hottest days of the year.
Families were picnicking while children played on rope swings in the woods next to the river.
Emergency secured were scrambled just before 4.30pm.
The police pulled the pair from the water.
Despite the best efforts of the first responders, they succumbed to their injuries at the scene.
Other park users attempted to save the pair but the water is murky and there are strong currents from a nearby weir.
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A dog walker said the whole community was ‘reeling’ after the incident.
Sandy Hughes said: ‘We are all reeling and in mourning for this family. It was a lovely day with kids playing and people having picnics.
‘There were so many people around. The water doesn’t look that dangerous but there is debris and it’s very brown so you can’t see what’s beneath.’
Detective Superintendent Pete Thackray, from the WTXpolitan Police’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. We 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.’