BOY, 14, WHO DROWNED AT LONDON DOCK NAMED AS TALENTED YOUNG FOOTBALLER

A 14-year-old boy who tragically died after going into a London dock was a 'talented footballer" and much-loved youngster.

Banta Sillah entered the water at Millwall Outer Dock on Monday evening and emergency services were called to the scene at 6:48pm. The Metropolitan Police said the boy was retrieved from the water at 10:30pm but tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

Heartbroken parents with their young children were seen crying as they left flowers at the scene, along with locals who came to pay their respects.

• England transformed into barren Western-like frontier as dramatic photos capture horror extent of drought
• Student who finished Arctic to Africa mega triathlon now plans to run 'round the M25' in memory of fiancée

Mayor of Tower Hamlets Lutfar Rahman said: "I am heartbroken by the tragic death of Banta Sillah, a 14-year-old member of our community in Tower Hamlets. Banta was a talented young footballer who played for Frontline Community FC and was instrumental in helping the team win the Tower Hamlets Cup last week.

"He had immense potential and was dearly loved by his peers. Rahman said the council was supporting the boy's family.

He added: "As we mourn Banta, I urge families to speak with children and young people, we should all be aware of the dangers swimming in open water."

Jeanine Paris, a staff member at Stebon Primary School where then teen was previously a pupil, told the Mirror she remembered Banta as a "friendly" boy. She said: "Cute, friendly, very polite, along with all of his family they are, a happy young boy."

She called on more measures to be taken to protect kids from water dangers, saying: "I believe there should be free swimming for all children under the age of 16 and open free swimming during the school holidays." He was the same age as me, same year as me. I didn’t know him personally but a friend who knows him told me he was always sweet."

A 14-year-old girl who laid flowers at the scene, on Tuesday, with her mum on Tuesday tearfully told the Mirror that she and other people at the scene attempted to save the boy.

The girl said : "A few of them jumped in together but one of the boys didn't come up. I had to try and save him, a few people jumped in, they were all around my age. We thought it was a joke, someone said 'he's pranking you' then they started crying, so I was like this is real."

Frontline Community CIC, in a statement online, paid tribute to the teen and said: "Banta was far more than just a Frontline player. He was a true leader, our captain, a role model and a much-loved member of the Frontline family and the wider community."

Local parents Debbie and Anton emotionally laid flowers at the tribute site, on Tuesday, and told the Mirror they would no longer let their son swim in the water.

Anton said: "We came here on the first heatwave, we jumped in as well, everyone just came together." They added: "But we won't let him [their son] go in again after this."

The Met said a file has now been passed to the coroner, and his death is being treated as not suspicious.

Detective Superintendent Oliver Richter issued a warning after the tragic death and said: "Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of this young boy at this incredibly difficult time.

"As the warm weather continues, I would urge everyone to remember that open water can present serious dangers. Please only swim in designated areas and take the time to speak with children and young people about staying safe around water."

A total of 43 people have died in open water since the first spell of hot weather in mid-May.

The Mirror has launched the Save Lives For Sam water safety campaign this summer to call for urgent action to tackle Britain's drowning crisis.

Andy Burnham backed this last week, saying: "I give great credit to The Mirror, so often a campaigning newspaper, but rightly so on this issue... It's really important that people understand the dangers of open water swimming, particularly if people are not regular swimmers, it can cause real issues.

"Water safety measures around is part of it. It's also about making sure, as part of the curriculum, kids get the right swimming support, and that's I think a key part of the campaign."

2026-08-05T12:58:33Z