Lucas Dobson: Search resumes for boy, six, who fell into river in Kent 'during family fishing trip'

The search has resumed for a missing six-year-old boy who fell into a river in Kent.

Lucas Dobson fell into the River Stour in Sandwich on Saturday afternoon.

He was said to be on a family fishing trip when the incident took place.

The boy's father reportedly dived into the river but was unable to reach him.

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

She told the MirrorOnline: "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."

Kent Fire and Rescue service said the search resumed at dawn.

At just after 11.20am, search and rescue specialists in canoes could be seen meticulously probing the thick vegetation which flanks much of the River Stour.

Officers on board a Kent Police search boat, which was carrying sonar equipment, also tracked up and down the winding, muddy water as the search continued.

Officers had been called to Richborough Road at about 1.20pm on Saturday.

Specialist search and rescue teams were joined by large numbers of public volunteers scouring river banks and waterways.

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Specialist team searches River Stour for missing six-year-old Lucas Dobson

The search was called off after 10pm due to darkness.

Members of the public were warned about their own safety if they continued to search, including working in groups and using torches.

KFRS assistant director Chris Colgan said: "We're all incredibly grateful to everyone who has given everything today to try and locate this little boy.

"Our thoughts are with him and his family tonight at this very difficult and emotional time.

"I would like to appeal to people who have come to Sandwich to join the search - if you continue overnight please make sure your own life isn't placed at risk.

"We have issued some safety advice about keeping clear of the river's edge, staying on the main tracks, working in groups and never alone, and please make sure you are equipped with a phone and torches."

A number of different waterways, including the main river, make up the search area.

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