Helicopter search is launched for boy, six, after he goes missing after falling into a river
- The young boy fell into the River Stour in Sandwich, Kent, at 1.20pm today
- A search of nearby riverbeds and a scrapyard in the area is also being carried out
- An inshore lifeboat and a Coastguard helicopter are helping to scour the area
Emergency services have begun a desperate search for a young child who fell into the River Stour in Sandwich, Kent, earlier today.
The six-year-old boy, known locally as Lucas, is believed to have fallen into the water at 1.20pm and has not been seen since.
It is believed that his father jumped into the water after him but could not find him.
Kent Police have been leading the search along with Kent Fire and Rescue Service, water safety units, an inshore lifeboat and a Coastguard helicopter.
The young boy fell into the River Stour in Sandwich, Kent, at 1.20pm today and has not been seen since. An inshore lifeboat and a Coastguard helicopter are helping to scour the area
A search of the surrounding riverbeds and a scrapyard in the area is also being carried out.
There are reports online that the boy was wearing a black and white t-shirt when he vanished.
A police spokesperson said: ‘Kent Police was called to Richborough Road in Sandwich at 1.20pm on Saturday, August 17 regarding concern for the welfare of a child reported to have fallen in the River Stour.
‘A search is being carried out by officers and other emergency services including the Coastguard and Kent Fire and Rescue Service.’
A report from Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: ‘Emergency services are working together to search for a young child who has fallen in to the River Stour close to Richborough Road and the A256 at Sandwich.
‘Crews together with police officers and others are searching the river using the service boat.
‘The Coastguard helicopter is supporting from an aerial perspective.’