Search for 11-year-old boy who went missing after entering river in South Yorkshire

A search is under way for an 11-year-old boy who went missing after being seen entering a river in South Yorkshire.

The schoolboy was seen getting into the River Don in Mexborough on Saturday, but he was not seen getting out, police said.

South Yorkshire Police were called to Ferry Boat Lane at about 8pm, and a major search operation was subsequently launched.

Doncaster Response Team Inspector Neil Pryce said: "We know, from witnesses and items left on the riverbank, where the boy entered the water.

"Utilising specialist knowledge and skills, a coordinated multi-agency operation is under way and we are doing everything we can to find this young man.

"We are invaluably assisted by an underwater search team, supported from above by the police helicopter and drones.

"This is a tragic incident and we understand that members of the public want to do all they can to help but we must ask that, for everyone's safety, only those who are involved in our operation enter the River Don."

In addition to police, the search also included personnel from the National Police Air Service, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

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Specialist rescue crews were seen on the streets of Mexborough on Sunday, as they carried out their search.

The boy's family have been informed and is being supported by specialist officers.

South Yorkshire police asked the public not to speculate on the search and show the family the "dignity they deserve".

The village in south Yorkshire, which has a population of about 14,600, is about 12 miles (19km) from Sheffield.

The search comes amid the deaths of several young people who got into difficulty in open water during the recent heatwave.

The deaths include 12-year-old Junior Slater who died after getting into difficulty in the River Ribble at Ribchester in Lancashire and more than 10 others aged in their teens.

(c) Sky News 2026: Search for 11-year-old boy who went missing after entering river in South Yorkshire