Boy dies at police school

One boy has died and another is critically ill after an incident at Hendon Police Training School swimming pool in London.

A lifeguard pulled the two unconscious teenagers out of the pool at 1400 BST on Tuesday and gave them emergency first aid, before they were taken to hospital.

One aged 14 was pronounced dead at 1528 BST. The other boy, 15, is critically ill at the Great Ormond Street Hospital. His family are at his bedside.

A group of 20 youngsters were in the pool as part of a summer holiday scheme run by police jointly with the London Borough of Barnet council.

I can't think of a safer venue to send children...I feel desperately sorry for the parents

Barnet Council leader Victor Lyon

A third boy was being treated for a leg injury and has been taken to Northwick Park Hospital, in Middlesex.

It is not yet known if his injuries were sustained during the incident.

The boys have not yet been named.

A post-mortem examination on the 14-year-old boy who died will take place on Wednesday.

Officers from the Internal Investigation Command are due to investigate the incident.

Deputy Commissioner, Ian Blair said: "This is a tragic and dreadful event and I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the families and friends of both boys.

Council investigation

"I have instigated a thorough investigation, supervised by the Police Complaints Authority, to establish exactly what happened."

Victor Lyon, leader of Barnet Council said the authority will hold its own inquiry into the incident.

He said: "I can't think, both as a parent and a grandparent, of a safer venue to send children.

"I feel desperately sorry for the parents and I hope the child in intensive care makes a full and speedy recovery."

'Awful tragedy'

The Health and Safety Executive has also been notified.

A police family liaison officer, youth and social workers will be supporting the families involved.

A spokesman for Barnet council said: "This is an awful tragedy and we are working closely with the police and will continue to so until all the facts are established."