Story by Rory Poulter

Families have spoken of their sadness and horror at the death of a 14-year-old boy who was among a large group jumping into the Thames in Hampton.

A number of youngsters had been trying to cool off in the record temperatures by leaping from the bridge at Taggs Island, Hampton, yesterday afternoon.

Residents on the island have warned for years about youngsters using the bridge to jump from and a number have tried many times to discourage those involved.

There have been similar problems around the footbridge at Teddington Lock and only yesterday the police and RNLI issued warnings about dangers of jumping in and the risk of drowning caused by so-called cold water shock.

People living on the Taggs Island were among the first people to try and find the youngster yesterday afternoon as his distraught friends also took part in the search.

The Fire Brigade was called at 4.40pm and the rescue operation was concluded at 6.40pm. A search is due to resume in the area this morning.

The Police have confirmed that the boy's next of kin has been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

Three fire engines, two fire rescue units, a fire boat and around 30 firefighters were involved in the search, along with a team from the RNLI Lifeboat station in Teddington and the police.

Fire brigade Station Manager, Lee Conlon, who was at the scene said: "Firefighters carried out a methodical search and despite the best efforts all emergency service crews in attendance the 14-year-old boy was not located."

Assistant Commissioner Charlie Pugsley said: "Our thoughts are with the teenager's family and friends. Please don't go into open water during this heatwave it can be incredibly dangerous as the water is a lot colder than you'd expect.

"Anything below 15°C is defined as cold water, and on average the UK and Ireland sea temperatures are just 12°C. Rivers such as the Thames are colder - even in the summer."

The RNLI said: "Crew paged at 5.54pm yesterday to assist London Fire Brigade and other emergency services to search for missing teenager seen to enter water at Taggs Island. After comprehensive search volunteer crew stood down."

Richmond Police said: "Tragically, a 14-year-old boy has drowned after getting into difficulty in the Thames earlier. Our thoughts are with his family.

"It's a very real reminder of how dangerous open water can be. Please listen to the warnings and encourage others to do so too."

Residents reacting to the tragedy on social media said the dangers of jumping into the Thames from the bridge at Taggs Island have been known about for years.

One said: "The island has been avidly fighting this for years, residents constantly going up there to tell them to get off the bridge.

"Residents called the police so many times, they advised and we arranged signs ourselves and for one resident to get up every morning at 6am to put other deterrents in place.

"We do this to prevent this, off our own backs. A few get deterred, not all. It was also islanders that got in to the water first to help find him. Absolutely horrendous."

Another said: "I saw a big crowd of young people around that area as I drove home earlier jumping in the river."

Others said: "This is so upsetting. Makes me feel sick for the parents."

With temperatures set to soar again today, another warned: "This is just so tragic and sadly it is only a matter of time before it happens at Teddington lock too."