Investigation demanded into teenager's drowning death

Community leaders appealed today for a swift investigation into how a teenager apparently fleeing police drowned in a river in Northern Ireland.

Community leaders appealed today for a swift investigation into how a teenager apparently fleeing police drowned in a river in the North.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said officers responding to reports of a disturbance in the Glenshane road area of Drumahoe, Derry, saw two young men leaving the area.

One of them went in to the River Faughan at Drumahoe, where he got into difficulties. He was eventually pulled from the water, but later died.

The independent Police Ombudsman's office was called in to investigate the incident, but politicians said a swift probe into the circumstances would be vital to easing public concerns.

A PSNI statement said: "Police tried to assist the young man who got into difficulties and he was pulled from the river in an unconscious state.

"The young man died a short time later, shortly before 6.30pm. The Police Ombudsman has been informed."

SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan expressed his sympathy to the family of the teenage boy, who was reported to be 15.

Mr Durkan said: "This is a terrible tragedy, to hear of a young life lost, and our hearts must go out to the family of this boy.

"Given the circumstances of his death it will be important for the family, the public interest and the PSNI themselves that it should be investigated independently and authoritatively by the Police Ombudsman."

Sinn Féin Foyle representative and Policing Board member Martina Anderson offered her sympathy to the loved ones of the young man who died.

Ms Anderson said yesterday: "I offer sincere condolences to the family of the young man who was a victim of drowning in the River Faughan this evening.

"I am aware that the tragic events leading up to the young man's loss of life is now the subject of a Police Ombudsman's investigation.

"It is important that the investigation is concluded as soon as possible so that the circumstances surrounding this tragedy is made available without undue delay."

The victim was named locally as Kyle Bonnes, 15, from Tullyally.

The river where the tragedy happened was fast-flowing at the time because of heavy rain in recent days.