Body found in major search for missing man who ‘got into difficulty’ while swimming in the Thames as temps hit 27C
A BODY has been found in the Thames in the hunt for a missing man.
A huge search was launched after a man is understood to have got into difficulty while swimming at around 6.40pm yesterday in waters off Barge Walk, Kingston upon Thames.
Temperatures had reached 27C at the time on what was the hottest day of the year so far.
Police confirmed today the body was recovered at around 12.20pm.
Formal identification is yet to take place, though officers understand it is the missing man.
Photos from the scene show police and ambulance vehicles parked on the side of the water.
Search boats are also seen in the Thames, with other rescuers using specialised poles to scour to the riverbed.
Jadine Brunsdon, who works at a bar near where the man went into the water, was sitting by the river side with a friend watching people swimming at the time.
She told BBC News: “We noticed them going in. Then about half an hour later we saw police cars and ambulances driving down.”
POLICE STATEMENT
A spokesperson for Scotland Yard said: “Police were called at 6.41pm on Sunday, 12 May to the river at Barge Walk, Kingston. It was reported that a man had got into difficulty after entering the water to swim.
“Marine Policing officers, London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade, the RNLI and the National Police Air Service all searched the area.
“At around 12.20pm on Monday, 13 May, the body of a man was recovered by police officers from the river at Barge Walk, Kingston.
“Formal identification awaits, however officers believe this is the man who entered the water on Sunday.”