Mother and son die after getting 'into difficulty' in water in London park

An incident where a mother and son died after getting "into difficulty" in the water in a west London park was a "tragic accident", police have said.

The Metropolitan Police said their deaths were being treated as non-suspicious.

The force added: "We can confirm they are a mother and son, aged 34 and seven years."

It continued: "Next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. This is understandably an incredibly difficult time for them and they have requested that their privacy be respected."

The pair have not been named while officers work to tell those affected.

Officers were called just before 4.30pm on Saturday to Elthorne Park, Ealing, which is bordered by the River Brent, following "reports of two people in difficulty in the water".

The pair were recovered from the water, but died at the scene.

A Metropolitan Police statement said on Saturday: "Officers attended with the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade.

"A woman and child were recovered from the water.

"Very sadly, despite the best efforts of the emergency services who provided urgent medical care, they were both pronounced dead at the scene."

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Detective Superintendent Pete Thackray, from the Met'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.

"I 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."

(c) Sky News 2026: Mother and son die after getting 'into difficulty' in water in London park