Police have released an image of 11-year-old Kaliyah Coa, who went missing on Monday, 31st April, after tragically falling into the River Thames.

Reports indicate that Kaliyah had spent her day playing with friends on her school inset day before entering the water near Barge House Causeway in North Woolwich, East London.

Kerry Benadjaoud, a 62-year-old local resident, shared how she first heard about the incident from her neighbour, who had been gardening nearby. Moments later, she was approached by two young children who urgently said:

“My friend’s in the water.”

Emergency services were called at around 1:15pm, with an “extensive search” launched shortly after at 1:30pm.

Now two days on, the recovery mission continues along the River Thames, with teams from the Metropolitan Police conducting detailed searches of the surrounding area.

Chief Superintendent Dan Card told Sky News:

‍“Our specialist officers are supporting Kaliyah’s family through this deeply upsetting time, and our thoughts go out to all those impacted by what has happened. We are committed to finding Kaliyah and are working with partners to conduct a thorough search over a wide area, utilising drone technology and boats.”

This tragic incident has raised fresh concerns about river safety in urban areas — especially with warmer months approaching. Many are questioning whether more signage, safety patrols, or fencing are needed in high-risk zones like the Thames pathways.