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| Version 4 | Version 5 |
|---|---|
| Two bodies recovered in search for Kempston canoeists | Two bodies recovered in search for Kempston canoeists |
| (about 7 hours later) | |
| Two bodies were recovered from the River Great Ouse at Kempston on Sunday | Two bodies were recovered from the River Great Ouse at Kempston on Sunday |
| Two bodies have been found dead after reports of canoeists getting into difficulty in the River Great Ouse. | |
| Police received a call about capsized canoes and a possible female struggling at the weir, off Water Lane, Kempston at 10:50am BST on Sunday. | |
| Bedfordshire Police alongside fire and rescue and ambulance service workers recovered the bodies of two women. | |
| It said the deaths were non-suspicious and the investigation had been passed to the coroner. | |
| Floral tributes have appeared at the weir | Floral tributes have appeared at the weir |
| No formal identification had yet taken place, but the women's next of kin have now been informed, police said. | |
| Officers said a police presence would remain and the public have been requested to avoid the weir embankment area. | Officers said a police presence would remain and the public have been requested to avoid the weir embankment area. |
| Antonia and Geoff Stone from Kempston have left flowers at the site | Antonia and Geoff Stone from Kempston have left flowers at the site |
| People living nearby have been to the weir to lay floral tributes. | People living nearby have been to the weir to lay floral tributes. |
| Geoff Stone, from Kempston, said it was a popular spot for canoeists and kayakists but they "usually don't come further up stream than the footbridge". | Geoff Stone, from Kempston, said it was a popular spot for canoeists and kayakists but they "usually don't come further up stream than the footbridge". |
| "Weirs are always bad because you get the backwash... it's a bit like a tumble drier... but people don't usually come up here in boats," he said. | "Weirs are always bad because you get the backwash... it's a bit like a tumble drier... but people don't usually come up here in boats," he said. |
| His wife, Antonia, added: "I feel really sad, that's why I came here to offer a prayer." | His wife, Antonia, added: "I feel really sad, that's why I came here to offer a prayer." |
| Det Insp Matt Inwood, from Bedfordshire Police, said: "Our thoughts and condolences are with all those impacted during this difficult time. | |
| "We know that a situation like this can cause huge distress to the local community. I want to reassure people that we are engaging with our partners to ensure sensible safeguards are put into place for this part of the river. | |
| "We are now assisting the coroner with their investigation into this tragic incident and will continue to do all we can to assist with their inquiries." | |
| Find BBC News: East of England on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you have a story suggestion email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk | Find BBC News: East of England on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you have a story suggestion email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk |
| Related Topics | Related Topics |
| Bedford | Bedford |
| Bedfordshire Police | Bedfordshire Police |