AN 11-year-old boy who went missing in a Yorkshire river has been named as police continue to search for him.

Mackenzie Swift was last seen entering the River Don in Mexborough at around 8pm on Saturday.

Mackenzie Swift
Mackenzie Swift has been identified as the missing boy in South YorkshireCredit: South Yorkshire Police
Mackenzie Swift
Police have stated the boy “could not have survived” being in the water this longCredit: South Yorkshire Police
The young boy has not been seen since.

Police have now publicly identified Mackenzie, claiming that he “could not have survived” being in the water for this long.

South Yorkshire Police have spoken of the family’s “nightmare”, emphasizing that underwater searches are continuing to take place.

A spokesperson said: “Our family liaison officers have sadly had the heartbreaking conversation with Mackenzie’s family that if he had not exited the river on Saturday, he could not have survived in the water for this length of time.

Mackenzie Swift
Pictures show rescue crews descending onto the riverCredit: South Yorkshire Police
Two kayakers in a blue and orange kayak and a blue and black kayak on a river next to a concrete barrier.
Mackenzie went missing late on Saturday night, and has not been seen sinceCredit: South Yorkshire Police
“Sadly, none of our enquiries so far have found any indication that he got out of the water.”

They added that Mackenzie’s family were being supported by specialist officers, and that the public should avoid the general area.

Searches are believed to be continuing early Tuesday morning.

Chief Supt Pete Thorp said: “I understand members of the public are desperate to help, but I must ask that you leave this work to the professional search teams.

“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.”

Mackenzie’s disappearance comes after 13-year-old girl was confirmed to have died earlier today after going missing in the River Wharfe.

She was 17th person to pass away in water in the recent heatwave.

The teen vanished under the water in the North Yorkshire river shortly after 6:30pm yesterday.

The body of a 15 year old and 72 year old were also pulled from the water last Sunday in two separate incidents.

It is now understood that 14 of those who have died were teens between 12 and 19.

SOURCE: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/39279875/missing-boy-river-don-cops-nightmare/