Boy, 14, dies after entering water at Millwall Outer Dock as police swarm area

A boy was pronounced dead after being pulled from the water at Millwall Outer Dock near East Ferry Road on the Isle of Dogs in east London, as police urged parents to speak to children about water safety

Abigail Hunt Content Editor

14:08, 04 Aug 2026Updated 14:56, 04 Aug 2026

[The boy was sadly pronounced dead after being pulled from the water]

The boy was sadly pronounced dead after being pulled from the water(Image: Ben Whitley/PA Wire)

A 14-year-old lad tragically drowned after entering the water at a dock. The Metropolitan Police said officers were called around 6.48pm on Monday following reports of a boy venturing into the Millwall Outer Dock near East Ferry Road on the Isle of Dogs in east London.

Despite the efforts of emergency services, the boy was pulled from the river at 10.30pm and declared dead, the force said. The boy's next-of-kin have been informed and are receiving support from officers.

Detective Superintendent Oliver Richter expressed: "Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of this young boy at this incredibly difficult time.

[The boy's next-of-kin have been informed and are receiving support from officers]

The boy's next-of-kin have been informed and are receiving support from officers(Image: Ben Whitley/PA Wire)

"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 death of the boy is being treated as unexpected but not suspicious, and police stated that investigations continue to prepare a report for the coroner.

[A bunch of flowers left by River Thames at Millwall Outer Dock]

A bunch of flowers left by the River Thames at Millwall Outer Dock(Image: Ben Whitley/PA Wire)

London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner Patrick Goulbourne revealed: "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."

A spokesperson for the London Ambulance Service stated: "We were called at 6.52pm yesterday (3 August) to reports of a person in the water by East Ferry Road, E14.

"We sent ambulance crews, paramedics in fast response cars, an incident response officer and an advanced paramedic.

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"Our crews assisted our emergency services partners at the scene but were later stood down."

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