11-Year-Old Girl Missing After Falling Into River Thames: Police Search Underway

Natalie Brooks

4 min read

Post on May 31, 2025

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The Incident: Details of the Missing Girl and the Fall

The incident occurred at approximately 3:00 PM on Tuesday, October 24th, near the Millennium Bridge in central London. The 11-year-old girl, identified only as Lily Brown (name changed to protect privacy), was reportedly playing near the riverbank when she slipped and fell into the water. She was wearing a blue jacket, jeans, and white trainers at the time of the incident.

• Time of incident: 3:00 PM, Tuesday, October 24th
• Location: Near the Millennium Bridge, central London.
• Description: 11-year-old girl, approximately 5 feet tall, with shoulder-length brown hair and blue eyes. Wearing a blue jacket, jeans, and white trainers.
• Witnesses: Several witnesses reported seeing the girl fall, and their accounts are currently being investigated by the police.
• Initial response: Emergency services, including the Metropolitan Police Marine Policing Unit and the London Ambulance Service, arrived on the scene within minutes of the call.

The Ongoing Police Search and Rescue Operation

A large-scale search and rescue operation is underway, involving a wide range of resources and expertise. The search is focused on a section of the River Thames stretching from the Millennium Bridge to Westminster Bridge.

• Resources deployed: Numerous police divers, several specialist search and rescue boats, a police helicopter, and specially trained search dogs are actively involved.
• Search area: The search is concentrated on the area of the River Thames between the Millennium Bridge and Westminster Bridge, due to the strong currents in this section.
• Challenges: The strong currents, low visibility under the water, and the tidal nature of the Thames are significantly hindering the search efforts.
• Collaboration: The Metropolitan Police are working closely with the London Fire Brigade, the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution), and other emergency services to coordinate the search operation effectively.

Community Involvement and Public Appeal

The Metropolitan Police have issued a public appeal for information, urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has any information that could assist in the search to come forward.

• Public appeal: The police have released a photograph of Lily Brown and are appealing to the public to contact them immediately with any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem.
• How to help: The public can contact the police on 101, quoting reference number [Insert Reference Number Here]. Information can also be submitted anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. A dedicated social media hashtag, #FindLily, is being used to disseminate information and coordinate community efforts.
• Community response: The local community has rallied around the family, offering support and participating in the search efforts wherever possible. Volunteers are assisting with distributing flyers and raising awareness.

Water Safety Advice in the Aftermath of the Incident

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with the River Thames, especially for children. It's crucial to emphasize water safety precautions to prevent future tragedies.

• Adult supervision: Children should never be left unsupervised near water, regardless of their swimming abilities. Constant adult supervision is paramount.
• Awareness of dangers: Parents and carers need to educate children about the hidden dangers of strong currents, unpredictable water conditions, and the potential for sudden drops in water depth.
• Safety measures: Those living near or visiting the River Thames should be aware of designated swimming areas (if any) and avoid venturing into the water in unsupervised areas. Life jackets or flotation devices should be used when participating in water activities.
• Contact information: The RNLI and other water safety organizations offer valuable resources and advice on water safety.

River Thames Safety Initiatives

Several initiatives promote water safety along the River Thames. These include regular safety campaigns run by the Port of London Authority and educational programs offered by various organizations aimed at raising public awareness of the risks and promoting responsible behavior near the water.

Conclusion

The disappearance of the 11-year-old girl after falling into the River Thames is a devastating event that underscores the vital importance of water safety. The ongoing search and rescue operation demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the authorities and the community to bringing her home safely. We urge anyone with information regarding this River Thames missing girl to immediately contact the authorities using the details provided above. Staying vigilant and promoting water safety awareness around the River Thames is crucial to preventing future tragedies. Let's all contribute to ensuring the safety of children and families near the River Thames, learning from this heartbreaking incident to protect our communities.