Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
National
Michael Howie

Mother, 34, and child, 7, die after 'getting into difficulty' in water at west London park

A police car parked near the corner of Elthorne Park, where a mother and her young son died after getting into difficulty in the water - (PA)

A mother and young son have died after "getting into difficulty" in water at a park in west London.

Met police officers were called to Elthorne Park, Ealing, just before 4.30pm on Saturday. The park is bordered by the River Brent.

The woman, 34, and boy, 7, were recovered from the water, but died at the scene.

Both died at the scene and the Metropolitan Police said on Sunday evening: “Further inquiries carried out by officers into the incident have established it was a tragic accident and the deaths of the woman and child who very sadly lost their lives are being treated as non-suspicious.”

Police added: “Next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

“This is understandably an incredibly difficult time for them and they have requested that their privacy be respected.”

Detective Superintendent Pete Thackray, from the Metropolitan Police's West Area Command Unit, said: “This is a tragic incident in which a woman and her young child have lost their lives. Our thoughts are with their loved ones.

The River Brent at Elthorne Park in Ealing (Google Maps)

“I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of the first responders, and members of the public, who did their very best in an incredibly challenging situation.

“While an investigation into what took place is under way, all initial indications are that the circumstances are not suspicious.”

The tragedy happened on one of the warmest days of the year so far in London. Temperatures reached a high of 21C in Ealing during the afternoon as the sun shone over the capital.

In a post on X, Jon Ball, Liberal Democrat councillor for Ealing Common, said: “My thoughts go out to the family of those involved in the tragic accident in Elthorne Park today.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.