Bank Holiday tragedy as boy, 13, dies diving into Exeter canal 'and failing to surface'

A 13-year-old boy has died after being pulled from a canal in what police have described as "an awful and tragic incident".

Emergency services were called at around 4.35pm yesterday following concern for welfare for a child in a canal at Clapperbrook Lane East in Exeter.

It was reported that a child had failed to surface after jumping into the canal.

Police, fire, and ambulance services were in attendance. The boy was pulled from the water, before receiving first aid.

He was taken to hospital in a serious condition, where he sadly died. His next of kin have been informed.

Acting Superintendent Chris Conway said: "This is an awful and tragic incident, and we offer our condolences to the family who are being supported by specialist officers.

"We would ask that the privacy of the family is respected as they come to terms with their devastating loss."

The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for HM Coroner.

The sad news comes just days after 14-year-old Layton Carr was killed in a fire inside a building at Fairfield industrial park in Gateshead on Friday evening.

Eleven boys and three girls aged between 11 and 14 were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and released on bail over the weekend.

On Monday police said two more boys, both aged 12, had been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and have also been bailed pending further inquiries.

In a statement released through Northumbria Police, Layton's family said: "Layton was such a kind, caring and loving boy.

"From the minute he was born it was obvious the character he would turn out to be.

"Layton was your typical 14-year-old lad, a cheeky, happy lad. Despite his cheeky side Layton had an absolute heart of gold and would do anything for anyone.

"He was loved by all that met him, and it showed."