Body found in search for six-year-old Lucas Dobson, who fell into a river in Kent

A body has been found in the search for missing schoolboy Lucas Dobson.

The six-year-old went missing on Saturday afternoon after he fell into the River Stour in Sandwich, Kent, while on a fishing trip with his family.

The body has not yet been formally identified but his family have been informed, Kent Police said on Wednesday morning.

Inquiries are continuing but the death is not being treated as suspicious, a force spokesman said.

Chief Inspector Mark Weller said: "This is a deeply tragic and upsetting incident for all concerned, and Lucas' family are understandably devastated.

"We were inundated with offers of assistance from members of the public, who turned out in large numbers to help search for Lucas.

"I know his family are very grateful and touched by the support provided, and I too would like to offer my own personal thanks."

Emergency services were called to Richborough Road at about 1.20pm on Saturday, Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) said.

Lucas's aunt Maciee Stanford, 18, said the boy's father jumped into the water after he fell between a jetty and a boat, but "the current was too strong, he had already gone".

She told the MirrorOnline news site: "He was with his dad and his dad's friends along with other children.

"The incident happened because our Lucas was on the jetty and tried to step from there on to the boat, but he fell in between the jetty and the boat.

"As soon as he fell the three adults jumped in after (him) but the current was too strong, he had already gone in the short amount of time, he could not be found.

"They fish and do this regularly as it is behind one of the men's houses, all the children play together here."

A Facebook page called Search For Lucas said he was wearing a black and red striped T-shirt with white shorts.

Volunteers were warned about their own safety and told by police to stay away from the water's edge, work in groups, and make sure they had phones.