A community is in mourning following the tragic deaths of a mother and her child who got into difficulty in water at a London park. The incident occurred at Elthorne Park, near Ealing, on Saturday afternoon.
Emergency Response
Emergency services were called to the scene at 4:29pm on April 25 after reports of two people in difficulty in the water. Police, London Ambulance Service, and London Fire Brigade attended. Despite urgent medical care, a woman and a child were pronounced dead at the scene. They are believed to be a mother and son. Authorities are working to identify their next of kin.
Witness Account
Abis, an Uber driver from Ealing, witnessed the emergency response. He saw multiple fire engines, ambulances, and police vehicles near the park entrance on Boston Road between 6pm and 7pm. A passenger who had been walking his dog in the park indicated the situation inside was even more serious than it appeared from outside.
Abis expressed shock, noting that the river is not easily accessible from the park and that swimming in the River Brent or Grand Union Canal is uncommon. He suggested the community would be deeply affected, especially families with young children.
Police Statement
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: "Officers are at the scene of an incident in Elthorne Park, Ealing. Police were called at 4.29pm following reports of two people in difficulty in the water. A woman and child were recovered from the water. Very sadly, despite the best efforts of the emergency services, they were both pronounced dead at the scene. The woman and child are believed to be a mother and son."
The police thanked emergency crews and members of the public for their efforts in an "incredibly challenging situation." By 10:30pm, emergency vehicles had cleared the area.
