London teenager dies after being pulled from sea
The 17-year-old was airlifted to hospital from West Wittering beach in West Sussex
Last updated 3rd Jul 2024
A teenage boy - on a school trip from Uxbridge College - has died after getting into difficulty in the sea.
Coastguard teams and other emergency services were called to concerns for a boy's welfare at West Wittering near Chichester, West Sussex at around 1pm yesterday (Tuesday 2nd).
The 17-year-old boy was airlifted to hospital after being pulled from the water but was pronounced dead there.
It is understood that the boy was among around 50 pupils from London who were on a school trip at the time of the incident.
Detective Inspector Darren Taylor, of Sussex Police, said officers are investigating the incident to establish the full facts, supported by the Health and Safety Executive.
"Emergency services and HM Coastguard were called to concerns for a boy’s welfare in the sea off West Wittering beach at around 1pm on Tuesday (July 2nd).
"A 17-year-old boy was airlifted to hospital, where he was sadly confirmed deceased. His next of kin have been informed.
"This was an absolutely tragic incident and I would like to express my sincere condolences to the boy's loved ones at this heartbreaking time," he said.
"We are asking anyone who has any information that could help to contact us online or via 101, quoting Operation Redhill."
Statement from head of Uxbridge College
The college principal at Uxbridge College has been described the death as a "tragic accident" by his college principal.
A college spokesman said the student got into difficulty in the sea and "tragically it was not possible to save them".
Uxbridge College principal Dylan McTaggart said: "This was a tragic accident that has had a huge impact on everyone here. Our priority now is to look after all those affected.
"We have enlisted the help of qualified counsellors and will make sure that over the next days and weeks we have staff and professional support available to our community.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and we ask that you respect their privacy as they grieve the loss of a child."