A major search operation has been launched after reports two children got into difficulty in the River Thames.
It is understood a boy and girl fell into the Thames Kent Police was called near Royal Pier Road at Gravesend, Kent with the alarm being raised at 1.35pm.
The boy has been recovered from the water and has been taken to hospital for further medical attention.
However, the search continues for the girl. The parents of the two children have been informed.
An RNLI lifeboat, coastguard helicopter as well as police boats are involved in the search operation.
A cordon remains in place at the junction of Commercial Place, The Terrace and Milton Place. It is understood a nearby fitness area has also been taped off.
Several emergency services vehicles have also been spotted by the Royal Pier Terrace and the Port of London authority’s (PLA) office.
An eyewitness told KentOnline: ‘Officers are stationed along the river from Royal Terrace Pier to Town Pier and appear to be looking in the water.
It is understood a boy and girl fell into the Thames at Gravesend, Kent this afternoon with the alarm being raised at 1.45pm
The boy has been recovered from the water but the search continues for the girl youngster, according to reports
However, the search continues for the girl. The parents of the two children have been informed
‘There are approximately four boats out at sea, including police and RNLI vessels.’
An HM Coastguard spokesman said: ‘HM Coastguard is responding to a report of two children in difficulty in the water near the Royal Terrace Pier, Gravesend.
‘The alarm was raised at about 1.35pm on May 30. One child has been recovered and the search is ongoing for a second.
‘Metropolitan Police boats are attending as well as the RNLI lifeboat from Gravesend, Kent
‘Police, and a police helicopter. South East Coast Ambulance Service was sent.’
A Kent Police spokesperson said: ‘Kent Police was called by the Port of London Authority at 1.46pm on Friday to concerns for the welfare of two people who had entered the river at Royal Pier Road, Gravesend.
‘Officers, Kent Fire and Rescue Service, the RNLI and South East Coast Ambulance Service are currently at the scene where enquiries and a search are underway.’
A South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) spokesperson said: ‘SECAmb were called at approx. 1.40pm today to concerns for the welfare of two people who had entered the river at Royal Pier Road in Gravesend.
‘Crews attended the scene, and a male patient was assessed and treated before being taken to a local hospital for further medical treatment.’
A spokesperson confirmed the Gravesend RNLI were tasked by the coastguard to assist police shortly before 2pm and currently remain on scene.
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