A major search operation has been launched after reports that two children got into difficulty in the River Thames.
Emergency services rushed to Royal Terrace Pier at Gravesend, Kent, after a boy and a girl fell into the Thames at around 1.35pm.
The boy has been recovered from the water and has been taken to the hospital for further medical attention.
However, the search continues for the girl. The parents of the two children have been informed.
The ages of the children have not been revealed.
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.
Emergency services rushed to Royal Terrace Pier at Gravesend, Kent, after a boy and girl fell into the Thames at around 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 eyewitness told KentOnline: ‘Officers are stationed along the river from Royal Terrace Pier to Town Pier and appear to be looking in the water.
‘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 30 May to concerns for the welfare of two children who had entered the river at Royal Pier Road, Gravesend.
‘Officers, H.M. Coastguard, the RNLI and South East Coast Ambulance Service attended the scene where a boy had been retrieved from the water.
Several emergency services vehicles have been spotted by the Royal Pier Terrace and the Port of London authority’s (PLA) office
An RNLI lifeboat, coastguard helicopter as well as police boats are involved in the search operation
‘He was taken to local hospital for further medical attention.
‘A search is underway for a girl who remains missing. The parents of the children have been informed.’
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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