A DEEP-WATER dock where a 14-year-old boy drowned after falling into the river was “an accident waiting to happen”, it has been claimed.
The Deptford teenager, who has not yet been identified by police, fell into the water at Rainbow Quay, Surrey Quays, at around noon on May 22.
It is believed he was playing with at least one other friend when the accident happened.
Police officers from Southwark, a marine support unit and the Met police’s dive squad were called to the scene and two officers dived in to try and find the youngster.
But their efforts proved unsuccessful and he was not discovered until around two hours later by a Met police diver.
The boy was taken to an east London hospital where he was pronounced dead at 4.10pm that afternoon.
Flowers and tributes have been left by the dock railings by well wishers.
One note, attached to a bouquet of flowers, said: “We are so sorry for the loss of your young son. Wish you all the strength and support you will need over the coming years.”
Another said: “With all our love and deepest sympathy.”
People living nearby said there were often problems with children jumping into the water.
Signs are up around the docks that warn of the dangers of swimming in the deep water, with one advising that seven people died in dockland waters during just one year alone.
Andrea Clarke, 62, whose flat overlooks the dock, said children would often climb up the steps onto a walkway over the water and dare one another to jump off.
She said: “It was an accident waiting to happen.
“It’s a problem that goes on throughout the summer.
“Every year there’s usually about 12 children jumping off the lock into the water. You can often hear them down there, daring each other to do it.
“I always go over to say ‘boys, you’ve no idea how deep that is’. Police are often warning them about it too.”
She went on: “I’ve phoned the police about it several times.
“It must be about 100ft deep - great big cargo ships used to come here.”
Next of kin have been informed and a post mortem examination will take place in due course.
Officers from Southwark police station are investigating the circumstances of the death which they are not treating as suspicious at this time.
Did you know the boy? Call the newsroom on 01689 885734.
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