Teen Dies In Canal After Running From Police

A teenager who was running away from police officers has died in a canal.

Members of the 17-year-old's family called the police to a house in Clapton, east London, at 3.04pm on Wednesday because they were concerned about his safety.

But the boy, believed to be Jack Susianta, smashed a window and fled before officers from the Metropolitan Police arrived.

At 3.38pm, Hackney Police tweeted: "Jack Susianta, 17yrs missing from E5. Last seen wearing a t shirt, shorts and socks. Call 999 quoting CAD 5306."

The teenager went missing for around an hour before being spotted by officers on Hackney Marshes.

After running away again, he ended up in a canal at Lea Bridge Road, Hackney.

One officer followed him into the water to try to save him but his body was recovered at around 5.20pm.

"On seeing police, the male ran off," a Met Police spokesman said.

"Officers tried to stop the male in order to assist him, but prior to police officers reaching him, the male entered the canal near to Lea Bridge Road.

"A police officer entered the canal in an attempt to rescue him, but the male went under the water."

The incident has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

A spokesman said: "We deployed investigators to the scene and we are currently assessing it to determine the level, if any, of our involvement.

"We haven't yet determined whether it will be necessary for an independent investigation."

The cause of death is unknown.