14-year-old boy drowns in east London dock
Body of Banta Sillah recovered from Millwall Outer Dock after emergency services search.
Quick Look
A 14-year-old boy, identified by the local mayor as Banta Sillah, has drowned after entering the water at Millwall Outer Dock in east London, prompting water safety warnings.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Emergency services were alerted to an incident at Millwall Outer Dock in east London on Monday evening.
A 14-year-old boy has drowned after going into the water at a dock in east London.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) and the Metropolitan Police searched the Millwall Outer Dock near East Ferry Road after being alerted at about 18:50 BST on Monday.
His body was recovered at about 22:30 and he was pronounced dead at the scene. His family have been informed, police said.
In a post on social media, Mayor of Tower Hamlets Lutfur Rahman named the teenager as Banta Sillah and said he was "a talented young footballer who played for Frontline Community FC and was instrumental in helping the team win the Tower Hamlets Cup last week".
The Met Police has not confirmed the identity of the boy.
The mayor said Banta "had immense potential and was dearly loved by his peers".
He added: "As we mourn Banta, I urge families to speak with children and young people, we should all be aware of the dangers swimming in open water.
"Swimming should only take place in officially designated areas with lifeguards present."
Open Questions
- What led to the boy entering the water?
- Will official identification be released by the Metropolitan Police?
