An eight-year-old boy has died after falling into a river, just a day before another child was found in a reservoir.
Joshua Hillstead, of Maypole, Birminghamfell into the River Arrow in Alcester at around 9.30pm on Monday.
It came a day before a boy – believed to be 16 – also died in the West Midlands after being picked up from a reservoir in Dudley.
Joshua was taken to hospital when emergency services arrived at the scene and died last night after complications arising from drowning, Warwickshire Police said.
Another child was also in the water but did not require further treatment.
Inspector Heidi Twynham of Warwickshire Police said: “Losing a child is devastating and we extend our condolences to the family following this tragic accident. We are in contact with the family to offer our support.
“Fast, unpredictable currents and invisible deeper sections make rivers dangerous places, especially for children and unsure swimmers. Please be careful around our waterways.
“Thank you to our officers, emergency services members and hospital staff for everything you have done over the past few days.”
A teenager encountered difficulties
On Wednesday morning, West Midlands Police confirmed that a body had been found looking for 16 year old boy in a reservoir in Dudley.
Police discovered a body shortly before 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, with official identification yet to take place.
Officers said the boy got into difficulty in Lodge Farm reservoir in Netherton shortly after 6pm on Tuesday.
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Dudley’s commander, Chief Superintendent Anthony Tagg, said: “This is a desperately tragic event and our thoughts are with the boy’s family and friends.
“It also had an impact on the wider community, which gave us tremendous support.
“We will have additional officers in the area over the coming days and we would encourage anyone with concerns to speak to us.”
According to the National Water Safety Forum – a network of volunteer groups promoting open water safety – there were 236 water-related deaths in the UK in 2023.
Everyday activities, such as walking and running, are responsible for 48% of accidental deaths, the group says.
