POLICE have issued a warning after they spotted adults and "very young children" swimming in the River Avon following the tragic death of an eight-year-old who fell into a nearby river. 

Officers have been sharing information on water safety after Joshua Hillstead died following complications resulting from drowning.

He was pulled from the River Arrow in Alcester on Monday evening (July 22).

Alcester Police said during patrols on Wednesday (July 24) they saw adults with children in the nearby River Avon in Bidford. The River Arrow is a tributary of the River Avon. 

In a message warning people, Alcester Police said: "You may have all seen and heard the tragic news of the eight-year-old who lost his life following the incident in River Arrow, Alcester.

"We have put out lots of information regarding water safety on Warwickshire Connected.

"Information can also be found on government website, Warwickshire Police Website and local council websites.

"Please, make sure your children are safe and supervised at all times near any open waters.

"Yesterday during our patrols we saw adults and some very young children in the River Avon In Bidford On Avon.

"Please, do not do this, it is unsafe.

"Time and time again we have re-iterated the message around water safety, educating people, which is still being ignored.

"Do not put yourselves and your children at risk of danger.

"Please be responsible, Please follow water safety rules, the rules are there for a reason, not to be ignored".

Warwickshire Police were called at around 9.30pm on Monday (July 22) to a report of a young child who had fallen into the river behind Kingfisher Way in Alcester.

Police, fire and ambulance service crews were in attendance. The boy was pulled from the river before receiving first aid and CPR.

One other child was also in the water but did not require further treatment and was returned home.

Joshua was then taken to hospital where he had been receiving treatment until he died late yesterday evening (Tuesday, July 23).

DI Heidi Twynham said: "Losing a child is devastating and we offer our condolences to the family after this tragic accident. We are liaising with the family to provide support.

"Fast, unpredictable currents and invisible deeper sections make rivers dangerous places, particularly for children and non-confident swimmers. Please take caution around our waterways.

"Thank you to our officers, members of the emergency services, and the hospital staff for everything you’ve done over the past few days."