Boy, 13, is missing ‘after falling into River Thames from Tower Bridge while on his way to school’
- Boy travelling to The Ark Globe Academy in Southwark, London, on Tuesday 8am
- He had boarded a bus with a friend but had got off at an earlier stop than usual
- City of London Police are currently treating it as a ‘missing persons’ incident’
A 13-year-old boy is missing after falling into the River Thames from Tower Bridge on his way to school, according to reports.
The teenager had been wearing his full uniform as he made his way to The Ark Globe Academy in Southwark, London, on Tuesday at around 8am.
He and a friend had boarded a bus together but the youngster got off near Tower Bridge – ahead of his usual stop in Elephant and Castle – before falling into the river, the school’s principal said in a letter sent to parents.
The boy’s name was included in the letter but has not yet formally been released.
A 13-year-old boy is missing after falling into the River Thames from Tower Bridge (stock image) on his way to school, according to reports
According to The Mirror, Principal Matt Jones wrote: ‘It is with worry that I share news about [the boy’s name], a Year 8 student at Ark Globe Academy.
‘On the morning of Tuesday 20 April, [he] did not make his way into school despite travelling on a bus with a friend in full school uniform.
‘He got off the bus near Tower Bridge before his usual bus stop nearest to Ark Globe Academy and fell into the River Thames.
‘At this moment in time, police are treating this case as a “missing persons’ incident”.’
He and a friend had boarded a bus together but the youngster got off near Tower Bridge (stock image) – ahead of his usual stop in Elephant and Castle
The publication said Mr Jones described it as ‘distressing news’ for the school community and added that his ‘hopes and prayers’ were with the missing child’s family.
The principal acknowledged that the past year has been ‘very difficult’ for everyone and urged parents to contact the school or NSPCC, the UK’s top children’s charity, if they need help.
MailOnline has contacted The Ark Globe Academy and City of London Police for further comment.