Thamesmead boy, 5, found dead in river: Dad is an 'absolute wreck'

Daniel Alaby went missing on Friday (March 29) at around 5.30pm and 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.

A neighbour of Daniel’s family, who did not wish to be named, told The Sun that his dad is “in bits”.

They went on to explain that Daniel’s family are confused about how he got out since they lock their doors.

 The neighbour also speculated about how no one saw Daniel by the river, as it was a busy time of day.

If people were around at the time that Daniel was out of the house on his own, the neighbour said that would mean “society has failed him”.

They also told The Sun that they have lived in Thamesmead for over 40 years and have never known anything like this happen before.

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.”