
12-year-old boy dies in River Lea drowning in north-east London
A 12-year-old boy has died after drowning in the River Lea near Hackney Marshes in north-east London, prompting an investigation by the Metropolitan Police.

A 12-year-old boy has died after drowning in the River Lea near Hackney Marshes in north-east London, prompting an investigation by the Metropolitan Police.

Thames Water is set to restart the UK's only desalination plant in Beckton, east London, by the end of the year to aid reservoir recovery for next summer, despite the current drought likely passing by then.

Human bones discovered by builders in the garden of a south-east London bungalow are undergoing specialist tests by the Met Police to determine their age and identity.

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.

A £500m redevelopment of the Truman Brewery estate in east London's Brick Lane has been approved by housing secretary Angela Rayner, paving the way for a datacentre, offices, and apartments despite strong local opposition.

East London Foundation Trust (ELFT) plans to cut 330 jobs and redesign at least 10 mental health services, including child and adolescent care and addiction support, to close a £25m financial gap. This move, mandated by NHS England, sparks fears of longer waiting times and calls for strike action from the Unite union.

Hundreds of Pokémon fans, including a couple who met through the franchise, gathered in Shoreditch, east London, for a pop-up celebrating Pokémon Go's 10th anniversary. Attendees shared stories of nostalgia, community, and the game's positive impact on mental health and family connections.

In East London, the Lift House offers a co-living hacker house experience focused on a balanced lifestyle, contrasting with Silicon Valley's intense startup culture. Residents prioritize well-being and community, aiming to build lasting companies within the growing London tech ecosystem, despite the strong pull of U.S. investors and markets.

British woman Isabel Rose, 26, was sentenced to six years in Hong Kong for blackmail and perverting justice after reporting she was raped by a British banker. The judge deemed her allegation "completely fabricated," a claim Rose denies, maintaining her innocence throughout the two-year legal process.

A fire on a railway embankment in Walthamstow, east London, has led to the evacuation of residents. Around 125 firefighters tackled the blaze, which affected a house, gardens, sheds, and the embankment, causing disruption to the Weaver Overground line. No injuries were reported.

Around 100 firefighters responded to a large fire in Walthamstow, east London, affecting a house, gardens, sheds, and a railway embankment. Two rest centres were set up for residents, and the Weaver Overground line was partially closed. The cause is unknown.

Over 100 firefighters and 25 engines are battling a fire at a railway embankment in Walthamstow, east London. The blaze is affecting nearby properties and producing significant smoke, prompting advice for residents to close windows and doors. The Weaver Overground line is partially closed, and motorists are urged to avoid the area.

Singer-songwriter Syd Bennett, formerly of Odd Future and The Internet, discusses her new solo album 'Beard,' which she considers her 'first really me album.' Having found contentment through homeownership and creative control, Bennett prioritizes personal fulfillment over external validation.

Campaigners in east London's Brick Lane oppose a proposed 5,200 sq metre datacentre, arguing it will worsen the severe housing crisis, drive up costs, and displace long-term residents. The project, intended for high-frequency trading, was rejected by Tower Hamlets council but is now under government review.

A woman accused Top Boy actor Michael Ward of rape, denying claims the encounter was consensual. She testified she "did not understand the situation" and "never would have got in that car" if she had known. Ward denies rape and sexual assault charges.

Antoine Semenyo recalls Ghana's 2010 World Cup quarter-final run, a special childhood memory. Despite that historic achievement, subsequent tournaments have brought disappointment. Now, ahead of facing England, the team aims to recapture the fighting spirit of the 2010 squad.

Antoine Semenyo recalls Ghana's 2010 World Cup near-miss. Despite that historic run, subsequent tournaments brought disappointment. The current team, facing England, hopes to recapture the fighting spirit of the 2010 squad, though talent depth is a concern.

Gilbert & George, the renowned 80-something art duo, discuss their unlikely friendship with 41-year-old street artist Endless, their creative process, and legacy in the art world from their East London home.

New York and the UK are implementing new taxes on luxury properties to address the housing crisis and fund public services. While these measures aim to target the ultra-rich, experts suggest they are only a partial solution to broader issues of real estate financialization and monetary policy.

Chef Aktar Islam opens Oudh 1722, his first London restaurant, near Borough Market, focusing on traditional Awadhi cuisine. The establishment offers a luxurious, slow-cooked dining experience in a historic Victorian townhouse, blending ancient recipes with modern bar offerings.

Temitope Segun, 25, serving time for drug supply, escaped from a Serco-contracted van in Woolwich, SE London on June 8. He assaulted a guard and is believed to have links to the area. Police urge the public to call 999 if they see him.

Clifton George, 45, has been found guilty of murdering his partner, Annabel Rook, 46, in their north-east London home on June 17, 2025. George admitted manslaughter but denied murder, claiming loss of self-control. He stabbed Rook at least 22 times before setting off a gas explosion.

UK Athletics was fined £350,000 and ordered to pay £44,000 in costs for the death of Paralympian Abdullah Hayayei, who was killed by a toppled practice throwing cage during training in London in 2017. A health and safety official also received a community order.

UK Athletics has been fined £350,000 after shot-putter Abdullah Hayayei died when a metal cage collapsed on him during training in east London in 2017. The organization pleaded guilty to corporate manslaughter, and former head of sport Keith Davies received a community service order for health and safety breaches.