Boy, 13, missing after ‘falling into River Thames on way to school’
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An urgent hunt has been launched for a schoolboy who fell from London's Tower Bridge and into the River Thames on his way to school.
In a letter to parents, Ark Globe Academy Principal Matt Jones said the Year 8 student got off the bus near Tower Bridge and "fell into the River Thames" on Tuesday morning.
The pupil is said to have been wearing his full uniform at the time of the incident, which happened after he got off his morning bus a stop early – before his usual stop close to the school in Elephant and Castle.
He and a friend had taken the bus together on Tuesday morning, but the boy failed to show up at the south London school, Mr Jones wrote.
The boy is named in the school's letter, which was sent to parents on Wednesday, but the Daily Star is withholding his name.
City of London Police is leading the search.
River police, firefighters, the RNLI and a police helicopter were also involved in the search after the boy fell into the water at about 8am.
Mr Jones said the boy "fell into the River Thames" from the iconic bridge and police were treating it as a "missing persons incident".
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He described it as "distressing news" for the school community, adding that his "hopes and prayers" were with the missing child's family.
Mr Jones wrote: "It is with worry that I share news about [pupil's name], a Year 8 student at Ark Globe Academy.
"On the morning of Tuesday 20 April, (he) did not make his way into school despite travelling on a bus with a friend in full school uniform.
"He got off the bus near Tower Bridge before his usual bus stop nearest to Ark Globe Academy and fell into the River Thames.
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"At this moment in time, police are treating this case as a 'missing persons' incident.
"This is obviously distressing news for [the pupil's} family, friends and the wider Ark Globe community.
"Our hopes and prayers are with the family at this very difficult time."
Mr Jones added: "I want to reassure and remind you that everyone working in our academy knows the important role that they play in keeping children safe,
"Ark Globe staff are well trained to spot concerning signals from students and they know exactly how to escalate issues if external, professional support is needed."
The principal acknowledged that "this last year has been a very difficult time for many of our students and their families", and urged parents to contact the school or NSPCC if their children need help.
Daily Star has contacted City of London Police for further information.
If you or somebody you know has been affected by this story, contact the NSPCC for free, confidential advice on 0808 800 5000 or visit their website, www.nspcc.org.uk.
- Family
- London
- Breaking News
- Missing Person
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