Police, fire and ambulance services launched a frantic search for the youth, who died after he entered the water at Millwall Outer Dock in east London on Monday13:36, 04 Aug 2026A schoolboy has died after getting into the River Thames as temperatures climbed over 30C.‌The boy, 14, got into trouble after entering the water at Millwall Outer Dock, east London, on Monday, emergency services said.‌A police helicopter was seen at the scene yesterday after police, fire and ambulance services converged on the area.‌Locals said the area had been used by a group of youths in the past few weeks to cool off in the heat.A witness told the Metro: “There was a helicopter above and police in the river. We knew immediately what had happened. The boy was one of a group who have been hanging out by the river all summer.”Police searched the area for almost four hours before retrieving the boy’s body from the river, the Met Police said.‌“Police were called at around 6.48pm on Monday, August 3 to reports that a 14-year-old boy had entered the Millwall Outer Dock near East Ferry Road, E14,” the force said.“Officers worked with the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade to carry out an extensive search in efforts to locate him.“Sadly, despite the best efforts of the emergency services, the boy was retrieved from the river at 10.30pm and pronounced dead.‌“His next-of-kin have been made aware and are being supported by officers.”Detective Superintendent Oliver Richter said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of this young boy at this incredibly difficult time.“As the warm weather continues, I would urge everyone to remember that open water can present serious dangers. Please only swim in designated areas and take the time to speak with children and young people about staying safe around water.‌“The boy’s death is being treated as unexpected but not suspicious and enquiries continue to prepare a report for the coroner.”A London Ambulance Service Spokesperson said: “We were called at 6.52pm yesterday (August 3) to reports of a drowning incident by East Ferry Road, E14.“We sent ambulance crews, paramedics in fast response cars, an incident response officer and an advanced paramedic.‌“Our crews assisted our emergency services partners at the scene but were later stood down.”Assistant Commissioner of the London Fire Brigade Patrick Goulbourne said: “Sadly, a teenager has drowned following an incident in Blackwall.“Firefighters responded to reports of a teenager in the harbour and carried out a full search of the area. Sadly, despite the best efforts of emergency responders, the teenager was later found dead.Article continues below“This is an incredibly sad incident, and the thoughts of everyone at London Fire Brigade are with the family and loved ones at this difficult time.”The Mirror has launched the Save Lives For Sam water safety campaign to tackle the UK's growing drowning crisis. Backed by MPs, Olympic champions, national water safety organisations and bereaved families, the campaign is calling for urgent action to make our waters safer.That includes compulsory water safety lessons in schools, a nationwide public awareness campaign, better lifesaving equipment at high-risk waterways, the introduction of Sam's Law , and a dedicated Minister for Water Safety. Find out more about the campaign and how you can support it here .