Pictured: Boy, six, who has gone missing after falling into a river during ‘family fishing trip’

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 while on a ‘family fishing trip’ and has not been seen since.  

Kent Police have been leading the search along with Kent Fire and Rescue Service, water safety units, an inshore lifeboat and a Coastguard helicopter. 

A search of the surrounding riverbeds and a scrapyard in the area is also being carried out.

Members of the public have made their way to the scene. The fire service held a public meeting to brief volunteers at 7pm.

Drones are also being used in the search. 

There are reports online that the boy was wearing a black and white t-shirt when he vanished and he was apparently not wearing a life jacket. 

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

The River Stour is a river in East Anglia. It is 47 miles long and forms most of the county boundary between Suffolk and Essex

Lucas’s aunt said his father jumped into the water after him but could not rescue him, according to Mirror Online.  

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 HM Coastguard helicopter joined the search as emergency services to continue to search for the boy

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.’ 

The service posted an update at around 6.45pm. It said: A briefing for local people helping in the search for a missing six-year-old boy who has fallen in the river at Sandwich will take place at 19:00pm at Sandwich Fire Station, Ash Rd CT13 9HZ. 

‘Those who are helping are advised to attend to understand how they can assist in the search in a safe way, without placing themselves at risk, especially as the light begins to fade. 

‘Thank you.’

The River Stour is a river in East Anglia. It is 47 miles long and forms most of the county boundary between Suffolk and Essex.