*Update*: Body found in River Don — search for missing Mackenzie Swift ends tragically

The search for 11-year-old Mackenzie Swift has come to a tragic end. The BBC reports that emergency services found a body in the River Don near Mexborough, South Yorkshire, on Sunday morning. The boy was last seen Saturday evening when he entered the river.

The body was recovered after rescue teams had searched through the night. The Guardian reports that the search continued on Sunday initially as a missing person search before the discovery was reported in the morning. Reports early in the afternoon still described the search as ongoing – a sign of how quickly the situation developed.

Police investigation launched

Mexborough is located in the Metropolitan Borough of Doncaster. The River Don at this location is a wide, fast-flowing river that can be dangerous for swimmers. The Independent reports that Mackenzie Swift was last seen near the riverbank before entering the water. The exact circumstances that led to this are the subject of an ongoing investigation by South Yorkshire Police.

Police have not yet completed formal identification of the body found, but believe it to be Mackenzie. Family members are being supported by specialist officers. Yorkshire Post reports that the family is receiving support during this difficult time and has requested privacy.

The case has prompted significant sympathy in the region. Local communities in South Yorkshire have responded with concern to the news. Authorities and emergency services involved in the multi-hour search operation have expressed their condolences.

South Yorkshire Police has announced it will continue to investigate the circumstances of the incident. An official report to the Coroner has been initiated, as is customary in such cases in England.