Day 3: Police name missing boy, 11, as search continues in and around the River Don at Mexborough

Police have continued to search for a missing 11-year-old boy from first light today (Monday), and extensive activity will be ongoing until darkness falls.

The major search operation began just after 8pm on Saturday May 30 following reports that the boy, who his family have agreed police can name today as Mackenzie Swift, had entered the river near Ferry Boat Lane in Mexborough and had not been seen since.

Today, officers worked alongside partner agencies including South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Woodhead Mountain Rescue, and an underwater search team, as efforts to locate Mackenzie continued.

A spokesman said that while they are doing everything the can to find him, SYP’s 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.

“Sadly none of the enquiries so far have found any indication that he got out of the water. His family are in all of our thoughts and prayers, and are being supported and kept updated on the progress of the search operation.”

Doncaster District Commander, Chief Superintendent Pete Thorp, added: “We will continue to do everything in our power to find Mackenzie and to support his family through this incredibly difficult time. They truly are living every parent's worst nightmare.

“We are utilising a range of specialist resources and organisations from across the region. Officers will remain at the search site tonight and further operational activity will resume at first light tomorrow (Tuesday) morning.

“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.”