Boy drowns after jumping off Oxford bridge

A 15-year-old boy has drowned after jumping from a bridge into a river.

Emergency services were called at about 8.30pm yesterday when the teenager, named locally as Hussain Mohammed, jumped from Donnington Bridge in Weirs Lane, Oxford into the River Thames but did not resurface.

An extensive search by the fire service recovered Hussain, from Oxford, nearly two hours later.

He was rushed by ambulance to John Radcliffe Hospital (JR2) in Oxford where he was pronounced dead, according to Thames Valley Police.

Flowers have been left at the scene by friends of the youngster, with tributes speaking of their grief.

One states: "RIP Hussain. Sleep tight, gone but never forgotten. Always in our hearts."

A police spokesman said: "Thames Valley Police were called to an incident at the river at Weirs Lane, Oxford at around 8.30pm. It was reported a teenage boy had jumped into the River Thames but had not resurfaced.

"Following an extensive search by emergency crews he was recovered at about 10.20pm and taken to JR2 Hospital where he was pronounced dead."

South Central Ambulance Service said two people who had fallen into the water, including Hussain, were taken to hospital and a third was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.

Detective Inspector Rob France, the officer in charge of the case, said: "It was a warm evening and there were lots of people by the river at that time and we would urge them to come forward and speak to us.

"We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who was on the bridge at, or just before, 8.30pm last night.

"The incident is not being treated as suspicious, however it is essential that we understand as fully as possible the events leading up to the tragic death of this young man.

"We would also like to emphasise that while it might be tempting to jump into the river during this hot weather, there are hidden dangers under the water and so we would advise against doing so."

PA