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A 12-year-old boy has drowned in a river in east London close to Hackney Marshes.

Emergency services were called after the youngster was seen entering the River Lea on Saturday at about 6pm.

The boy was recovered by police divers just after midnight on Sunday and was pronounced dead at the scene, the Metropolitan Police have said.

His next of kin have been told and are being supported by specialist officers.

London Fire Brigade also took part in the hours-long search.

Mayor of Hackney Zoe Garbett said she was heartbroken to learn of the boy's death.

She said: 'All of our thoughts are with the child's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

'This is a devastating loss for our community, and I know many will be feeling a deep sense of shock and sadness.

The boy, 12, was found dead after entering the River Lea in east London (pictured in 2020)

'The boy's family will need time to grieve this unimaginable loss, so please respect their privacy.'

Scotland Yard said the youth's death was being treated as 'unexplained'.

Detective Inspector Azmeen Pinnu, leading the police investigation, said: 'This is a deeply tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the boy's family, friends and the wider community.

'We also make a plea to the public to avoid speculation and refrain from sharing distressing material online out of respect for the family and to preserve the investigation.

'This incident is now being investigated on behalf of the coroner, and inquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances of what happened.'

A balloon and flowers were left at the scene on Monday.

Hackney Marshes Centre duty manager John Martin told of preparing to lock the site's gates on Saturday when he saw emergency services at the scene – including ambulances, fire engines and helicopters.

He was informed by a police officer that a boy aged 12 was missing in the water.

Mr Martin said: 'It's very sad news. I've got kids myself and I've worked at swimming pools and it's not what you want to hear. My heart goes out to the family.'

The fire brigade said it sent crews from Homerton, Leyton and Leytonstone, specialist fire rescue units from Edmonton and Bethnal Green fire stations and also the LFB's drone team.

Hackney Marshes and the River Lea border the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park which hosted the London 2012 Summer Games.