'Police Pursuit' Drowning Probed

Local political representatives have been quick to show their sympathy after the tragic death of a young teenager in a 'hot pursuit' incident by the PSNI.

He drowned while fleeing from police officers in Londonderry.

Named today as Kyle Bonnes, 15, from Tullyally, he died in an incident in the Drumahoe area just after 5pm on Wednesday.

Police said the teenager ran off with another youth when they arrived to investigate reports of a disturbance on the Glenshane Road.

The boy entered the River Faughan and officers tried to help him. He was pulled from the river in an unconscious state and died a short time later.

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA and NI Policing Board Member, Martina Anderson later offered her condolences to the family: "I offer sincere condolences to the family of the young man who was a victim of drowning in the River Faughan.

"I am aware that the tragic events leading up to the young man 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," she concluded.

SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan also expressed his sympathy to the family: "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," he said.

A police spokeswoman said the Police Ombudsman had indeed been informed after the boy's body was recovered by members of Foyle Search and Rescue team.

(BMcC/GK)