Girl, 11, falls into River Thames sparking urgent police search

?George Cracknell Wright 31/03/2025 London, United Kingdom Eleven year old girl falls into Thames A fire boat and a boat from the RNLI search the thames in East London after an eleven year old girl fell into the Thames earlier today. Police were called at around 13:15hrs on Monday, 31 March to reports of an 11-year-old girl who had entered the River Thames near to Barge House Causeway, E16. A large scale response is ongoing, supported by all emergency services, working together to conduct an extensive search in efforts to locate her. Her next of kin have been made aware and are being supported by officers. Photo Credit: George Cracknell Wright
A fire boat and a boat from the RNLI search the Thames in East London (Picture: George Cracknell Wright)

A major rescue operation is underway after an 11-year-old girl fell into the River Thames.

Emergency helicopters and boats have been searching the Thames since she entered the water close to Woolwich Ferry in east London at 1.15pm.

Rescue teams from across London were deployed in the search efforts and drones flew overhead as officers desperately looked for the girl.

A police spokesperson told Metro: ‘Police were called at around 1.15pm on Monday, March 31 to reports of an 11-year-old girl who had entered the River Thames near to Barge House Causeway, E16.

‘A large-scale response is ongoing, supported by all emergency services, working together to conduct an extensive search in efforts to locate her.

Emergency services have launched a major search and rescue operation after a?? 11 year olg?? girl fell into the River Thames near Woolwich on Monday afternoon. The incident occurred just after 2 pm when it is believed that the child fell into the river, and the mother went in after them in an attempt to save the child. A significant emergency response is currently in place, with crews from the Metropolitan Police, London Ambulance Service, and multiple search and rescue teams actively involved. The operation also includes the Coast Guard, Border Force vessels, and a search and rescue helicopter. Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after the incident unfolded, and a large presence remains along the riverbank as the search continues. Authorities are using boats, drones, and aerial support in a desperate bid to locate the missing?? child. Despite the extensive efforts, there has been no confirmation of any recovery at this time. A spokesperson from the Metropolitan Police stated that efforts to find the child?? are ongoing and that they are working closely with other emergency services. The London Ambulance Service has also been involved, with paramedics on standby at the scene. Witnesses reported seeing a large number of emergency vehicles and personnel in the area, and members of the public are being asked to avoid the vicinity to allow search teams to work without disruption. Local residents and passersby have expressed their concern, with some gathering at a distance as the search continues. Anyone with information or who witnessed the incident is urged to contact the Metropolitan Police. A Spokesman for the Met Police said: Police were called at around 1.15pm on Monday, 31 March to reports of an 11-year-old girl who had entered the River Thames near to Barge House Causeway, E16.
The girl fell in shortly after 1pm (Picture: UKNIP)

‘Her next of kin have been made aware and are being supported by officers.’

London Fire Brigade told Metro they were using drones to scour the river.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Joseph Kenny said: ‘Firefighters responded to reports of a person in the River Thames near Lowestoft Mews, Newham.

‘Crews from East Ham, Barking, Ilford and Bexley fire stations were sent to the scene alongside crews from the HM Coastguard, RNLI, London Ambulance Service and the Metropolitan Police Service. 

‘The Brigade also deployed its drone team and fire boat as part of its response, with crews carrying out a systematic search of the area. 

‘The Brigade was first called about the incident at 1.23pm. Search operations for firefighters were concluded at 3.49pm, when responsibility for the incident was left with the police.’

Emergency services have launched a major search and rescue operation after a?? 11 year olg?? girl fell into the River Thames near Woolwich on Monday afternoon. The incident occurred just after 2 pm when it is believed that the child fell into the river, and the mother went in after them in an attempt to save the child. A significant emergency response is currently in place, with crews from the Metropolitan Police, London Ambulance Service, and multiple search and rescue teams actively involved. The operation also includes the Coast Guard, Border Force vessels, and a search and rescue helicopter. Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after the incident unfolded, and a large presence remains along the riverbank as the search continues. Authorities are using boats, drones, and aerial support in a desperate bid to locate the missing?? child. Despite the extensive efforts, there has been no confirmation of any recovery at this time. A spokesperson from the Metropolitan Police stated that efforts to find the child?? are ongoing and that they are working closely with other emergency services. The London Ambulance Service has also been involved, with paramedics on standby at the scene. Witnesses reported seeing a large number of emergency vehicles and personnel in the area, and members of the public are being asked to avoid the vicinity to allow search teams to work without disruption. Local residents and passersby have expressed their concern, with some gathering at a distance as the search continues. Anyone with information or who witnessed the incident is urged to contact the Metropolitan Police. A Spokesman for the Met Police said: Police were called at around 1.15pm on Monday, 31 March to reports of an 11-year-old girl who had entered the River Thames near to Barge House Causeway, E16.
Helicopters scoured the skies from above (Picture: UKNIP)

The London Ambulance Service also sent a team to the Thames but they have now been stood down.

An LAS spokesperson said: ‘We sent resources to the scene, including an ambulance crew, an advanced paramedic, an incident response officer and members of our hazardous area response team (HART).

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

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) told Metro they were requested to launch this afternoon to an incident near Woolwich. The lifeboat was later stood down.

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