Officers investigating the circumstances into the death of a young boy whose body was recovered from a Rotherham canal last night are appealing to anyone who may have been in the area around the same time to please come forward.

At approximately 7pm yesterday (Thursday 21 July), police received reports that an 11-year-old boy, had been seen going into the canal near to Stonerow Way near Parkgate Retail, Rotherham but had disappeared soon after.

Specialist resources attended the scene, including South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue and the Ambulance Service. The body of the 11-year-old was recovered from the water at around 11pm.

Investigating officer Temporary Detective Inspector Graham Stead said: “We have a number of resources investigating the circumstances that led to this tragic incident where sadly a young life has been lost.

“We believe that the boy was with a group of around eight other young people when he entered the water at around 7pm.

“We are working to establish the full circumstances in the lead up to the incident but we would appeal for anyone who was in the area between 6pm and 7pm, and may have seen a group of young people or has any information, to please get in touch.”

No-one else was injured during the incident.

Formal identification is yet to have taken place and officers are working with both the coroner and family.

A post-mortem examination will be carried out in due course

Following an extensive search of a Rotherham canal yesterday (Thursday 21 July), police have confirmed that specialist teams have recovered the body of an 11-year-old boy.

Emergency services received a report at around 7pm that a boy had been seen entering the canal, off Stone Row Way, but had disappeared soon after.

Specialist resources from all three emergency services attended the scene, including six fire engines with specialist water rescue equipment.  The body of the 11-year-old was found in the water at around 11pm.

The boy’s family has been informed and are being supported by police officers.

The circumstances are under investigation.