Lucas Dobson: Body of six-year-old boy who fell in River Stour found

Boy’s father attempted to rescue him after he fell into water while fishing

Six-year-old Lucas Dobson went missing after falling into the River Stour in Sandwich, Kent, while on a fishing trip with family on 17 August 2019 (Family handout/PA)

The body of a six-year-old boy who fell into the River Stour has been found.

Hundreds of volunteers had been searching for Lucas Dobson, who fell into the water while fishing in Kent on Saturday.

The boy’s father and two other adults jumped in to rescue him but Lucas was swept away by the strong current.

Chief Inspector Mark Weller, of Kent Police, said: "Following the discovery of a body in the River Stour at approximately 9.15am, formal identification has taken place and I can confirm the body is that of missing Lucas.

"It brings an end to our search and I would like to echo Lucas’ family’s message of thanks to those who came out to help search for him in the last few days. The community support we have witnessed has been heart-warming, even in the most tragic of circumstances."

Police said enquiries were continuing but the death is not being treated as suspicious.

Dive teams and sonar equipment had been used for the search around Sandwich.

The body was discovered after vigils were held across Kent, with people lighting candles in an attempt to “light up the coast for Lucas”.

“This is a deeply tragic and upsetting incident for all concerned, and Lucas’s family are understandably devastated," Ch Insp Weller added.

“We were inundated with offers of assistance from members of the public, who turned out in large numbers to help search for Lucas. I know his family are very grateful and touched by the support provided, and I too would like to offer my own personal thanks.

“I would also like to recognise the efforts of our partners from Kent Fire and Rescue Service, HM Coastguard, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and others who assisted in the search.”