A 10-year-old boy has died following an incident in the River Kennet on Monday, August 21.
Thames Valley Police was informed of a boy in difficulty in the water near to Waterloo Meadows at around 2pm on Monday, August 28.
Alongside colleagues from Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service and South Central Ambulance Service, the police conducted a rapid response.
Shadrack Appiah died following the incident.
Thames Valley Police confirmed that his death is being treated as unexplained, but not suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.
Detective Inspector Hayley Burns said: “This is an absolute tragedy in which a young boy has died after getting into difficulty in the water.
“His next of kin have been notified and are being offered support at this extremely difficult and traumatic time.
“My thoughts, and the thoughts of all of us at Thames Valley Police are with Shadrack’s family and his friends, and we would ask that their privacy is respected.”
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they were called to the incident at 2.04pm.
Crews from Bracknell, Whitley Wood and Theale fire stations were sent to the scene, alongside two officers and a Water Rescue Unit from Caversham Road Fire Station.
Upon arrival, they located and rescued the boy before placing them in the care of the ambulance.
RBFRS crews were at the scene for approximately one hour before handing over to TVP.
Shadrack’s family have paid tribute to him.
They said: “We loved Shadrack, he was a quiet person and a Christian who often read the bible.
“He loved football and wanted to be a pilot when he grew up.
“He loved his sisters Natalie and Nicole and they loved him.
“We will all miss him very much.”
