Search launched after young child fell into River Stour

A frantic search operation has been launched after a young child fell into a river.

The boy, thought to be six-years-old, fell into the River Stour in Sandwich, Kent, at about 1.20pm on Saturday.

Police, the Coastguard and Kent Fire and Rescue Service are carrying out a search of the area, with locals also helping to look for the boy.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: "Emergency services are working together to search for a young child who has fallen into the River Stour close to Richborough Road and the A256 at Sandwich.

"Crews together with police officers and others are searching the river using the service boat. The Coastguard helicopter is supporting from an aerial perspective."