A five-year-old boy from Thamesmead has died in hospital after being found in the River Thames.

An urgent appeal was launched by police to find Daniel Alaby who was last seen playing with his brother at his home at 5.30pm today (March 29).

Just after 6.20pm, officers looking for Daniel found a child in the River Thames.

Police administered CPR before the paramedics from the London Ambulance Service arrived.

The child, who is believed to be Daniel, was taken to hospital in a critical condition.

He was pronounced dead at hospital later this evening.

There is no evidence to suggest that any other person was involved, the Met said.

Daniel's family have been made aware and are being supported by police officers .

A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police said: “Police issued an appeal on Friday, 29 March, to locate a missing boy, Daniel Alaby.

“At 18:23hrs that evening officers looking for Daniel found a child in the River Thanes. Officers pulled the child from the water and administered CPR prior to the arrival of LAS.

“The child, who is believed to be Daniel, was taken to hospital in a critical condition. He was pronounced dead at hospital later that evening.

“Daniel’s family have been made aware. They are being supported by police officers.

“Enquiries are under way to establish the circumstances of the incident. Anyone who may have seen Daniel on Friday evening is asked to call police on 101 or post @MetCC ref 4592/29MAR24.

“At this very early stage, there is no evidence to suggest that any other person was involved. Enquiries continue to establish the circumstances.”