11-Year-Old Girl Falls Into River Thames: Police Mount Urgent Search

Henrik Larsen

4 min read

Post on May 31, 2025

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The River Thames, a vital artery through London, became the scene of a desperate search and rescue operation this afternoon following the fall of an 11-year-old girl into its waters. Emergency services are working tirelessly to locate the missing child, and a public appeal has been launched to aid the investigation.

The Incident: Details of the 11-Year-Old's Fall into the River Thames

At approximately 3:45 PM today, an 11-year-old girl, identified only as Lily by family members, fell into the River Thames near the Millennium Bridge. Initial reports suggest the fall was accidental, possibly a slip while near the embankment. Witnesses describe a chaotic scene, with several bystanders immediately alerting emergency services. The girl was reportedly wearing a pink jacket and blue jeans at the time of the incident.

• Time of incident: Approximately 3:45 PM
• Exact location: Near the Millennium Bridge, South Bank, London.
• Weather conditions at the time: Overcast with light rain.
• Initial eyewitness accounts: Several witnesses reported seeing the girl fall, but the exact circumstances remain unclear.

The Search and Rescue Operation: Extensive Efforts by Emergency Services

A major search and rescue operation was immediately launched, involving multiple agencies working in close coordination. The Metropolitan Police Marine Policing Unit deployed several boats to search the river upstream and downstream from the incident location. The London Fire Brigade dispatched a fireboat equipped with advanced water rescue equipment, and the Coastguard helicopter provided aerial support. Specialist divers are also involved in the underwater search.

• Agencies involved: Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade, HM Coastguard, London Ambulance Service.
• Types of equipment used: Boats, helicopter, underwater sonar equipment, diving teams, search dogs.
• Extent of the search area: A significant stretch of the Thames, both upstream and downstream from the Millennium Bridge, is currently being searched.
• Collaboration between different emergency services: A unified command structure has been established to ensure effective coordination between all participating agencies.

Public Appeal: Police Urge Witnesses to Come Forward

The Metropolitan Police have issued a public appeal for any witnesses to come forward with information that may assist in the search. Any details, no matter how insignificant they may seem, could prove vital in locating the missing girl. Police are particularly interested in any CCTV footage or dashcam recordings from the area around the Millennium Bridge between 3:30 PM and 4:00 PM.

• Contact details for providing information: Call 101, quoting reference number [insert reference number if available].
• Specific information being sought: Clothing description (pink jacket, blue jeans), last seen direction, any details about individuals who were in the area at the time of the incident.
• Urgency of the public appeal: The police have stressed the urgency of the situation and the crucial importance of public cooperation in this ongoing search.

Ongoing Investigation: Updates on the Search for the Missing Girl

The search for Lily continues into the evening. The police have confirmed that the search strategy is being continuously reviewed and adapted based on new information and developments. Further updates will be provided as they become available. The family of the missing girl has released a statement expressing their gratitude for the efforts of the emergency services and appealing for the public's help.

• Latest updates on the search: The search continues, and multiple agencies are involved.
• Areas of focus for the investigation: The search is concentrated near the Millennium Bridge, both on the river and the surrounding areas.
• Any new information released by the authorities: Further updates will be released on the official Metropolitan Police website and social media channels.

Conclusion

An 11-year-old girl has fallen into the River Thames near the Millennium Bridge, prompting an extensive and urgent search and rescue operation involving multiple emergency services. A public appeal has been launched to garner any information that could help locate the missing child. The situation remains critical, and the cooperation of the public is vital in this ongoing search. If you have any information that could assist in the search for the missing 11-year-old girl in the River Thames, please contact the authorities immediately. Share this article to spread awareness and help bring her home safely. Contact the Metropolitan Police on 101, quoting reference number [insert reference number if available].