An 11-year-old girl is missing after she fell into the River Thames in east London on March 31, 2025. The incident occurred around 1:15 PM BST near Barge House Causeway in North Woolwich, prompting a large-scale search operation involving multiple emergency services.
According to the Metropolitan Police, reports indicated that the girl was playing with friends at the waterside when she entered the river. Witnesses stated that the girl had asked her father if she could take off her shoes and paddle in the water due to the warm weather. Tragically, she slipped while trying to step into the river, and her friends raised the alarm, shouting, “my friend’s in the water.”
Local resident Kerry Benadjaoud, 62, was among the first to respond to the emergency. She recounted how she rushed to the scene after being alerted by children nearby. "My neighbour next door, she was outside doing her garden and there were two little kids running, and they said ‘my friend’s in the water’,” Benadjaoud told the PA news agency. She attempted to save the girl using a life ring but was unable to locate her in the water.
Benadjaoud described the harrowing moment when she arrived at the riverbank. A man had informed her that he had seen the girl’s hands going down into the water, but by the time she got there, it was too late. "I found her clothes - socks, shoes, and jacket - and a mobile phone and gave them to the police," she said, visibly shaken. "It was terrible."
The search operation quickly escalated, involving the London Fire Brigade, the RNLI, HM Coastguard, and the London Ambulance Service. Firefighters deployed drones and boats to assist in the extensive search. The London Ambulance Service sent an advanced paramedic, incident response officer, and hazardous area response team members to the scene but were later stood down as the police took over the operation.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Joseph Kenny of the London Fire Brigade stated, "Crews from East Ham, Barking, Ilford, and Bexley fire stations were sent to the scene alongside crews from the HM Coastguard, RNLI, London Ambulance Service, and the Metropolitan Police Service. The Brigade was first called about the incident at 1:23 PM, and search operations for firefighters were concluded at 3:49 PM when responsibility for the incident was left with the police."
Despite the extensive response, including helicopters and boats scouring the river, there have been no updates on the girl's whereabouts. The police confirmed that they are continuing their efforts to locate her, stating, "A large-scale response is ongoing, supported by all emergency services, working together to conduct an extensive search in efforts to locate her. Her next of kin have been made aware and are being supported by officers."
As the search continues, floral tributes have been laid at the scene where the girl was last seen entering the river. The community has rallied together, expressing their concern and support for the family during this distressing time.
The situation has drawn attention to the dangers of playing near water, especially for children. Local authorities are urging parents to ensure their children understand the risks associated with being near rivers and other bodies of water.
With the search entering its fifth hour, the community remains hopeful for a positive outcome. However, as of now, the girl remains missing, and the police are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen the incident or have information that could assist in the search.
The area around Barge House Causeway, a concrete slope leading into the River Thames, is often frequented by families and children. The river is known for its strong currents and unpredictable conditions, making it a hazardous location for swimming or paddling.
As the sun sets on this tragic day, the thoughts of many are with the missing girl and her family, hoping for a miracle in the ongoing search. The community's response and the efforts of emergency services highlight the urgency and importance of ensuring safety around water.
