Emergency services mounted a major response at Putney Pier yesterday evening following unconfirmed reports that a body was recovered from the River Thames.
Multiple ambulances, fire engines, police vehicles and a police boat descended on the scene around 6pm on Friday, with Putney Pier closed due to what Thames Clippers described as an “emergency”.
Witnesses reported seeing three ambulances, six fire engines, three police cars, an incident response van, an air ambulance car and a police boat at the location near the Star & Garter pub and Thai Square restaurant.
An emergency tent was erected next to the embankment wall, with multiple medics in attendance. Emergency vehicle lights illuminated the riverside scene as the response continued into the evening.
The emergency response caused significant traffic disruption, with emergency vehicles flooding Lower Richmond Road and backing up traffic in the area.
Unconfirmed reports
Social media reports suggested a body had been pulled from the Thames near Putney Bridge, though this has not been officially confirmed.
Thames Clippers, the riverboat operator, posted on social media at 5.57pm that “Putney is closed due to an emergency”, suspending services at the pier.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed they had received a report about the incident but directed enquiries to their press office. A request for comment sent to the Met Police press desk had not been answered by publication.
The London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade and London’s Air Ambulance have also yet to provide any information or updates.
The area around Putney Pier and Putney Embankment remained cordoned off this evening as the emergency response continued.
In March 2024, a body recovered from the Thames near Putney Pier was identified as missing student Samaria Ayanle, 19. Her death was treated as unexplained.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are concerned about someone else, support is available. You can contact the Samaritans free on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
