Police find body of 15-year-old who went missing in lake in Thurrock

1 August 2020, 14:46

Police have discovered the body of a teenage boy in a like in Thurrock
Police have discovered the body of a teenage boy in a like in Thurrock. Picture: Essex Police/PA Images
Ewan Quayle

By Ewan Quayle

Police have found the body of a 15-year-old boy in a lake in Thurrock after a major search operation.

A major search was underway for the teenager, who was reported missing near a lake at a shopping centre on Friday night.

Essex Police were called out after reports that a teenager had gone missing in a lake near the Lakeside Shopping Centre in Thurrock.

The teenager was last seen in Alexandra Lake at Lakeside in Thurrock, before being discovered by officers shortly after 12.40pm on Saturday.

Superintendent Craig Saunders, of Essex Police, said: "I want to thank the local community for their patience, and all those involved who have helped with the investigation."

The boy's family have been told.

It is believed the teenager entered the water near the Travelodge hotel at the lake.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that five fire crews were called to the scene on Friday night, as well as an Urban Search and Rescue team.

A fire service spokesperson said: “The fire service were called this evening (Friday 31 July) to Alexandra Lake, Thurrock following reports of a missing person.

"Firefighters from Grays, Corringham, Orsett, Leigh Fire Stations attended alongside colleagues from the Service’s Urban Search and Rescue Team.”

The crews had left the scene by midnight.

It follows the UK's third hottest day on record on Friday, with temperatures at Heathrow Airport reaching 37.8C and thousands flocking to beaches and lakes.

More to follow...