Major Search Underway for 11-Year-Old Boy Missing After Entering River Don in South Yorkshire

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A major emergency search has been underway in South Yorkshire after an 11-year-old boy was reported missing after entering the River Don in Mexborough.

According to South Yorkshire Police, officers were called to Ferry Boat Lane shortly before 8pm on Saturday after reports that the boy had entered the water and was not seen getting out.

Emergency crews from the National Police Air Service, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, and Yorkshire Ambulance Service joined the response as a large-scale multi-agency operation was launched.

Divers, drones and police helicopter involved in urgent operation

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Police say witnesses saw the boy entering the river, and items believed to belong to him were found on the riverbank near where he went into the water.

Specialist underwater search teams have been working in the river, while helicopters and drones continue scanning from above.

Inspector Neil Pryce said authorities are doing “everything we can” to find the boy and asked the public not to enter the water or gather nearby to watch the operation.

Police also urged people not to film the search out of respect for the child’s family.

Family being supported as concern grows

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The boy’s family has been informed and is being supported by specially trained officers, police confirmed.

The incident comes during growing national concern over water safety after a number of recent open-water tragedies across the UK during the recent heatwave.

Authorities continue to warn that rivers can remain dangerous even in warm weather due to strong currents, sudden drops, cold-water shock, and poor visibility beneath the surface.

As the search continues in Mexborough, the local community remains waiting anxiously for updates.