An investigation has been launched after a teenage boy drowned in Derry yesterday evening while fleeing from police officers.
The incident happened at Drumahoe on the outskirts of Derry city after the PSNI responded to reports of a disturbance in the Glenshane Road area.
Two youths were seen leaving the scene.
A 15-year-old had been trying to cross the River Faughan when he got into difficulty.
Police say that they tried to assist him but that he was unconscious when they pulled him from the water.
The victim was named locally as Kyle Bonnes, from Tullyally.
A PSNI statement said: ‘Police tried to assist the young man who got into difficulties and he was pulled from the river in an unconscious state.
‘The young man died a short time later, shortly before 6.30pm. The Police Ombudsman has been informed.’
SDLP MLA Mark Durkan expressed his sympathy to the family of the teenage boy.
Mr Durkan said: ‘This is a terrible tragedy, to hear of a young life lost, and our hearts must go out to the family of this boy.
‘Given the circumstances of his death it will be important for the family, the public interest and the PSNI themselves that it should be investigated independently and authoritatively by the Police Ombudsman.’
