Published April 27, 2026 11:56am
Updated April 27, 2026 1:20pm
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A witness has described the moment a mother and son were dragged lifeless from a west London river after a woman raised the alarm.
The boy, 7, and his mother 34 died on Saturday afternoon after it is believed they were pulled under the water by currents in the River Brent.
The seven-year-old had first encountered problems and the mother had entered the water to aid him, it is understood.
A canal boat owner who is moored near the spot told Metro: ‘A Muslim woman in a headscarf had raised the alarm. She was obviously distraught.
‘It was a very sunny day there were people with picnics and kids playing. There were loads of people around. I saw one body brought out – it was absolutely terrible.
‘If I had known what was happening I would have shot over there as I have a lot of safety and rescue equipment on my boat. I’m so upset – this is just awful.
‘A lot of their family and friends came down. The emergency services were amazing.’
Paramedics worked to resuscitate the mother and son.
The experienced canal boat owner added: ‘Where it happened is dangerous. There is flowing water and a current.’
The incident happened close to Elthorne Park, Ealing, on one of the hottest days of the year.
Families were picnicking while children played on rope swings in the woods next to the river.
Emergency secured were scrambled just before 4.30pm.
The police pulled the pair from the water.
Despite the best efforts of the first responders, they succumbed to their injuries at the scene.
Other park users attempted to save the pair but the water is murky and there are strong currents from a nearby weir.
A dog walker said the whole community was ‘reeling’ after the incident.
Sandy Hughes said: ‘We are all reeling and in mourning for this family. It was a lovely day with kids playing and people having picnics.
‘There were so many people around. The water doesn’t look that dangerous but there is debris and it’s very brown so you can’t see what’s beneath.’
Detective Superintendent Pete Thackray, from the Metropolitan Police’s West Area Command Unit, said: ‘This is a tragic incident in which a woman and her young child have lost their lives.
‘Our thoughts are with their loved ones. We would also like to acknowledge the efforts of the first responders and members of the public who did their very best in an incredibly challenging situation.’
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