Police recover body of 11-year-old boy who 'had been tombstoning' in Rotherham Canal

The boy had been tombstoning from a bridge with a group of friends

A general view of the canal at Parkgate, Rotherham, close to where the body of an 11-year-old boy was pulled from the water (PA)

The body of an 11-year-old boy has been recovered from a canal in Rotherham.

South Yorkshire Police said the boy was seen entering the water off Stone Row Way at around 7pm on Thursday but disappeared shortly afterwards.

Specialist emergency services teams, including crews from South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, recovered the boy's body at around 11pm.

The boy had been tombstoning from a bridge with a group of friends, firefighters have confirmed.

Watch manager Gary Willoughby, from South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, said: "This 11-year-old boy was actually taking part in a pastime that boys of his age call tombstoning.

"Unfortunately it's aptly named. It's jumping from unknown heights into unknown depths of water.

"They tend to jump straight into the water. They don't assess the water temperature, they don't see if there are any dangers hidden under the water - shopping trolleys, cars, anything like that, any reeds they might get tangled in.

"They don't even assess how deep the water is before they jump."

Mr Willoughby added: "It's a very dangerous pastime. Unfortunately this boy lost his life. I have heard of other people that end up in wheelchairs for the rest of their life.

"I'd like to send my condolences to his family at this time.

A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "His family has been informed and are being supported by officers.

"The circumstances are under investigation."