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11-year-old boy killed in river tragedy

Pa
Monday 30 May 2011 19:00 BST
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An 11-year-old boy died today after falling into a river, police said.

A passer-by saw the child fall into the River Medway in Maidstone, Kent, at about 2.30pm and jumped in after him but was unable to find him.

A search by police and fire services began and the youngster's body was pulled from the water at about 4.15pm.

Paramedics were unable to revive him and he was pronounced dead in hospital 5.30pm, a Kent Police spokesman said.

The family of the boy - who was pronounced dead at Maidstone General Hospital - has been told, police said.

The search of the river in Stampers Park, Tovil, Maidstone, was conducted by police officers, two boat teams from Kent Fire and Rescue Service and the Kent and Essex Police helicopter.

The Environment Agency put a cordon in the water to stop other boats entering the area.

The coroner has been informed and a post-mortem examination is expected to take place in the next few days, the police spokesman said.

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