Major search launched for missing swimmer who went into the River Thames after temperatures hit 27C

AN URGENT search has been launched for a man who went missing after going into the Thames to swim yesterday.

The swimmer is understood to have gotten into difficulty while trying to cool off near Barge Walk, in Kingston at around 6.40pm as temperatures hit 27C.

The area has been swarmed by the Metropolitan Police’s Marine Policing Unit and London Ambulance Service.

London Fire Brigade, the RNLI and the National Police Air Service also raced to assist the major search.

A spokesperson for Scotland Yard confirmed: “Police were called at 6.41pm on Sunday, May 12 to the river at Barge Walk, Kingston.

“It was reported that a man had gotten into difficulty after entering the water to swim.

“The man has not been found at this time.”

Cops have warned not to swim in the Thames as temperatures rise this summer due to strong currents, tides, whirlpools, and very cold water.