Body found in search for 11-year-old Mackenzie Swift who went missing in river

A body has been recovered in the search for an 11-year-old boy who went missing in a river in South Yorkshire.

Police were called to Ferry Boat Lane near to the River Don in Mexborough at around 8pm on Saturday.

The schoolboy - Mackenzie Swift - was seen getting into the river but was not seen getting out, South Yorkshire Police said, and a major search operation was launched.

Police said a body was found shortly after 11pm on Monday. Mackenze's family have been informed and formal identification will take place in due course.

District commander for Doncaster chief superintendent Pete Thorp said: "First and foremost, on behalf of all who have been involved in the operation to find Mackenzie since Saturday, I send deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

"Losing a child is every parent's worst nightmare and I know the impact this news will have on the wider community and particularly Mackenzie's school."

The 48 hour search operation also involved South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, underwater search and mountain rescue crews.

Ch Supt Thorpe added: "The search for Mackenzie has been a real multi-agency effort and, while SYP are thankful to our emergency service colleagues and the underwater search team, I would like to take a moment to recognise Woodhead Mountain Rescue.

"While highly trained and skilled, many of their team are volunteers who give up their time to help search teams when they need it most."

On Sunday, South Yorkshire Police said officers had the "heartbreaking conversation" with Mackenzie's family, that if he had not been seen exiting the river on Saturday he could not have survived in the water for so long.

Police enquiries did not find any information suggesting he had gotten out of the water.

Local people told Sky News the spot was known to be a dangerous part of the River Don, with shallow water quickly becoming deeper.

It follows a spate of deaths in the UK in open water during the recent spell of hot weather.

The number of deaths was estimated to be at least 17 on Monday.

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The record-breaking May heatwave attracted many people to open-water swimming, resulting in deaths in areas including South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Cornwall, Hampshire, Warwickshire, Cheshire, Pembrokeshire and Lincolnshire.

On Sunday, a 13-year-old girl died after being rescued from the River Wharfe near Burnsall, North Yorkshire Police said.

In another water-related tragedy on the same day, Lancashire Police said a woman had died and a man was in critical condition after entering the sea off Rossall beach in Thornton Cleveleys.

The pair, both in their 60s, got into difficulty in the water while attempting to rescue their dog, who was recovered safely.

(c) Sky News 2026: Body found in search for 11-year-old Mackenzie Swift who went missing in river