The body of a man who went missing in the River Thames near Hampton Court Bridge has been found by police. 

Three police forces, the London Fire Brigade, London Ambulance Service and the RNLI were called to the scene at around 4.10 pm yesterday afternoon (August 14) and after an extensive search which led late into the evening, police divers recovered the man's body at 10.30pm.

A spokesperson from the Metropolitan Police said: "A multi-agency response was launched following a call to a person in the water at Hampton Court at 16:12hrs today, Sunday, 14 August.

"Officers from the South West Command Unit and Surrey Police, the National Police Air Service, as well as the London Fire Brigade, London Ambulance Service and RNLI, began searching the river.

"At around 22:30hrs the body of a man – believed to be in his early 20's- was recovered from the water by police divers.

"His next of kin have been informed."

Yesterday's incident follows shortly after the death of 14-year-old, Brian Sasu, who got into difficulty in the waters at Taggs Island, Hampton in July.

Since his tragic passing, there have been pleas from across the capital urging people to remember the dangers open waters carry, and the devastating circumstances they can cause to families and friends.

Richmond Council Leader, Gareth Roberts, said today: "Absolutely heart breaking that almost a month to the day after Brian Sasu lost his life at Taggs Island, there has been another tragedy in the river, just a little further along at Hampton Court.

"Please, if you have young family or work with young people warn them of the danger."

Superintendent Richard Smith, Acting Commander for the South West, added: "Our thoughts go out to the young man who has lost his life. Our officers worked incredibly hard with partner agencies but despite a rapid response he could not be rescued.

"We recently saw another tragic incident in which a young boy died after entering the Thames at Tagg's Island. I must again sadly reiterate the dangers the water poses.

"It may look appealing but the danger and risk of loss of life is incredibly real. Please do not enter the water at any point. The consequences are enormous and we do not want to see any more families having to suffer such terrible news."