Mother and child killed after experiencing 'difficulty' in waters of popular London park

A mother and her young son have died after "getting into difficulty" in water at Elthorne Park in Ealing, west London.

Metropolitan Police officers were dispatched to the scene shortly before 4.30pm following reports that two individuals were struggling in the water.

The park sits alongside the River Brent.

Both the woman and child were pulled from the water by emergency responders, but neither survived.

Police have not yet disclosed the ages of the victims, who are believed to be mother and son.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed despite receiving urgent medical attention at the scene, both individuals were pronounced dead.

The Met attended the incident alongside the London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade.

Emergency crews provided immediate medical treatment to both victims after recovering them from the water.

"Very sadly, despite the best efforts of the emergency services who provided urgent medical care, they were both pronounced dead at the scene," the force stated.

Officers are currently attempting to locate and inform the family's next of kin.

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Investigators from the Met's West Area Command Unit have taken charge of establishing the full circumstances surrounding the incident at the Ealing park.

Detective Superintendent Pete Thackray, leading the investigation from the Met, described the incident as deeply tragic.

"This is a tragic incident in which a woman and her young child have lost their lives. Our thoughts are with their loved ones," he said.

The senior officer also recognised those who attempted to help at the scene.

"I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of the first responders, and members of the public, who did their very best in an incredibly challenging situation," he added.

An inquiry into the events leading to the deaths has been launched, though Detective Superintendent Thackray noted that early assessments point towards non-suspicious circumstances.

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