Updates August 18 click here
Volunteers joining the search for a six-year-old boy who went missing after falling into the River Stour today (August 17) will meet at 9am tomorrow at Sandwich Fire Station.
The search for Lucas began at 1.20pm today after he went into the water while out fishing with his dad. His father went into the water but was unable to find him.
Emergency services have been working together today to coordinate a search that takes in land, the river banks and along and in the water of the River Stour near Sandwich. The coordinated search by the emergency services, partner agencies and charities has involved specialist and experienced search and rescue teams.
There has also been a large number of local people from across Sandwich, Thanet and further afield helping to do their bit in trying to find him. KFRS had over 30 members of staff at the scene from firefighters, the water rescue unit, technical rescue; who have been using the drone, and Buzz the KFRS search and rescue dog who was also part of the operation.
The search has involved each agency working in zones to focus the coordinated efforts.
Members of the public were also allocated zones in the search. The services postponed the search at 10pm, although Coastguard, RNLI and many volunteers carried on past that time. The British Red Cross also remained at the scene and residents were bringing food, drink and blankets out for those who have continued to scour the area.
Volunteers are due to meet at the Ash Road station at 9am to help resume the search.