Body found after teenage boy went missing while ‘swimming with friends’ in River Thames in Lechlade

POLICE have confirmed a body has been found in the search for a teenager in the River Thames near Lechlade-on-Thames.

The discovery comes after a major search for the boy who went missing in the river overnight.

Police rushed to the scene in Lechlade-on-Thames, Gloucestershire, after emergency calls were made around 10pm yesterday.

Witnesses described seeing a helicopter and officers with torches searching the area near Halfpenny Bridge.

This evening, cops confirmed a body has been recovered from the river by specialist divers from Avon and Somerset Police.

The boy, said to be 17, was one of a group of five friends who entered the river.

Rescuers said they were reported to be playing in the water, but pals online claimed some of the boys had gone in to look for the missing youngster after he fell in.

Search boats were launched from Lechlade Marina as cops scoured the area.

A boat from Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) was also sent to the scene but it is unclear if it was used in the search.

A pub landlord last night told how he re-opened his bar after the boy's four friends were pulled from the water.

Gareth Chapman, owner of The Riverside, said: "We are still open.

"The pub was closed at the time of the incident but I came over and opened it up for the police and incident team to use and for the kids to get in the warm and dry off."

Although formal identification has not yet taken place, the boy's next of kin have been informed and they are being supported by trained officers.

A spokesperson said: "Our thoughts are with the boy's family and friends at this distressing time.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time."

Gloucestershire Police said previously: "Searches have been taking place in the River Thames after a report a teenager was in the water near Lechlade on Thames.

"Police were called at around 10pm yesterday (Sunday 30 April) and emergency services attended.

"Officers have been supported by the National Police Air Service, Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service and Severn Area Rescue Association while searches continued into the early hours of this morning (Monday)."

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service said it had been alerted by the coastguard just after 10pm on Sunday night.

It said: "We were called at 10.03pm by the coastguard to reports that some teenagers, believed to be aged about 17, had been playing in the river at Lechlade and one hadn't resurfaced.

"We assisted the search by sending three crews from Fairford, Gloucester South and Tewkesbury along with boat crews.

"We liaised with coastguards and the police who were coordinating the search and came away from the scene at about 4am."