Southwark schoolboy still missing after falling into Thames from Tower Bridge

A pupil of the Ark Globe Academy in Southwark is still missing after “falling into the River Thames from Tower Bridge.’

The boy, thought to be 13, did not arrive for classes on Tuesday morning.

A letter sent to parents at the school by the headteacher said he got off his bus early, wearing full uniform, and “fell into the river” from the landmark bridge.

The school’s executive principal Matt Jones said police are treating it as a “missing persons incident”.

He said in a letter to parents: “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.

“This is obviously distressing news for the young person’s family, friends, and the wider Ark Globe community. As a school community, we are dealing with this sensitively so as not to compromise the integrity of the police investigation and we wish to respect the privacy of the family while the investigation is ongoing. Our hopes and prayers are with the family at this very difficult time.”

According to witnesses, a member of the public made their way into the water to save the teenager but managed only to retrieve his schoolbag and jacket as he disappeared under the water.