Police issue message to members of public wanting to help search for missing 11-year-old boy Mackenzie Swift
“Members of the public are desperate to help”
Police officers searching for an 11-year-old boy who vanished in the River Don in Mexborough at the weekend have issued a message to those wanting to help.
A major search operation was mounted just after 8pm on Saturday, May 30, following reports that Mackenzie Swift disappeared after entering the river near Ferry Boat Lane.
South Yorkshire Police and partner agencies including South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue service, Woodhead Mountain Rescue, and an underwater search team have been involved in the search ever since.
Last night, it emerged that police family liaison officers had a “heartbreaking conversation” with Mackenzie’s family about the likelihood of the young boy having survived in the water this length of time.
Members of the public are being urged to leave the search efforts to the professionals.
Doncaster District Commander, Chief Superintendent Pete Thorp, said: “We will continue to do everything in our power to find Mackenzie and to support his family through this incredibly difficult time.
“They truly are living every parent's worst nightmare.
“We are utilising a range of specialist resources and organisations from across the region.”
He said the search would resume at first light today.
“I understand members of the public are desperate to help, but I must ask that you leave this work to the professional search teams,” he added.
“Please do not put yourselves or others in danger by searching in and around water, and if asked to leave by officers, please understand this is for your own safety and to ensure our efforts focus solely on finding Mackenzie.
“The thoughts of all those involved in the extensive search operation remain with Mackenzie and his family. “