Major search for child missing in River Thames hours after ‘getting into difficulty' near pier
A police helicopter, South East Coast Ambulance Service, Met Police boats and RNLI are at the scene
RACE AGAINST TIME Major search for child missing in River Thames hours after 'getting into difficulty' near pier
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A MAJOR search has been launched after two children fell into the River Thames today.
Emergency services were called to the Royal Terrace Pier, in Gravesend, Kent at around 1.45pm.
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The alarm was raised after two children got into difficulty in the water.
One child has been recovered, but the search continues for a second youngster, according to Coastguard officials.
Metropolitan Police boats are carrying out the urgent rescue operation, with the RNLI assisting.
A police helicopter and South East Coast Ambulance Service were also sent to the scene.
Kent Police was called by the Port of London Authority.
An HM Coastguard spokesman said: 'HM Coastguard is responding to a report of two children in difficulty in the water near the Royal Terrace Pier, Gravesend.
'The alarm was raised at about 1.35pm on 30 May. One child has been recovered and the search is ongoing for a second.
'Metropolitan Police boats are attending as well as the RNLI lifeboat from Gravesend, Kent.
'Police, and a police helicopter. South East Coast Ambulance Service was sent.'
A Kent Police spokesperson said: 'Kent Police was called by the Port of London Authority at 1.46pm on Friday to concerns for the welfare of two people who had entered the river at Royal Pier Road, Gravesend.
'Officers, Kent Fire and Rescue Service, the RNLI and South East Coast Ambulance Service are currently at the scene where enquiries and a search are underway.'
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The children got into difficulty in the water near the Royal Terrace Pier, in Gravesend
Credit: Getty
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