Woman and child die after ‘getting into difficulty’ in water at park

Two people believed to be a mother and her son were recovered from the water and died at the scene

A woman and child have tragically lost their lives after “getting into difficulty” in the water at a park in west London.

The pair, understood to be a mother and her son, were pulled from the water after officers were called to Elthorne Park in Ealing shortly before 4.30pm this afternoon. Sadly, both died at the scene, reports the Mirror.

The Met Police are working to trace their next of kin. The force thanked emergency crews and members of the public for doing their “very best” in an “incredibly challenging situation”.

A 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. Officers attended with the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade.”

“A woman and child were recovered from the water. We are not able to confirm their ages at this stage. Very sadly, despite the best efforts of the emergency services who provided urgent medical care, they were both pronounced dead at the scene.

“The woman and child are believed to be a mother and son. Officers are working to identify their next of kin.”

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.

“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.”

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.”

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