A boy of two drowned after falling from a boat moored on the River Thames in Oxford, writes Ian Townsend.

An investigation was today under way into the death of the boy, who fell from a pleasure boat at Donnington Bridge.

The child, whose identity has not been released, was playing with his elder brother and sister on the 40ft vessel as their father carried out renovation work. Police were called just before midday yesterday after the child disappeared from view.

Despite a search involving all three emergency services, members of the public and the police helicopter, he was not found for an hour.

It is believed the boy - who was not wearing a lifejacket - became lodged underneath the boat, the Mapledurham, and floated free as it was moved from its dockside moorings. The child was taken to the city's John Radcliffe Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Insp Simon Pont, of Oxford police, confirmed they were not treating the death as suspicious. He added: "This would appear to be a tragic accident."

The family, from Windsor, Berkshire, was staying in Oxford while the child's father worked on renovating and preparing the boat for the summer season. The 70-passenger vessel, moored alongside the City of Oxford Rowing Club, was owned by Oxford-based Salter Bros, which runs pleasure trips along the Thames for tourists and visitors throughout the summer.

A post-mortem examination was due to be carried out and an inquest was expected to be opened later this week. The family was being comforted by police officers at the hospital.

The Health and Safety Executive has launched an investigation.

Story date: Tuesday 06 April

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