POLICE have issued a two-pronged safety warning following the tragic death of Anas El-Rafai– urging people not to hold large memorial gatherings and to be aware of the risks of swimming in rivers.
Friends of Anas are understood to have planned to meet up this weekend in memory of the 15-year-old, who lost his life in the River Tees, in Darlington, on Monday.
But Darlington Neighbourhood Policing Team and Wyvern Academy, where Anas was a year ten pupil, have urged them not to because of the ongoing coronavirus situation.
Anas El-Rafai
A spokesperson for Darlington Police said: “We are aware of plans for a gathering at Broken Scar this weekend to pay tribute to Anas El-Rafai, who tragically lost his life earlier this week.
“We understand many of you have been affected by his death and would like to pay your respects.
“However, we echo Wyvern Academy’s statement below and are advising against such gatherings due to the current COVID guidelines around social distancing and outdoor gatherings.
“We will have officers on patrol in the area to engage with those who do attend and ensure their safety.”
Appealing to parents, the school said: “Whilst we understand the sentiment behind the plan we must advise against such a meeting given the current Covid-19 guidelines for social gatherings and the proven unsafe environment at that location.
“Please talk to your child(ren) if you think they may be planning to attend.”
Police officers will be at riverside locations reminded the public of the risks associated with open water swimming.
Chester-le-Street Police said: “Following the tragic death of 15-year-old Anas El-Rafai in the River Tees, in Darlington, this week, we would like to remind people of the dangers of swimming in rivers.
“Please do not take any risks swimming in open water. We understand that it can be tempting, especially when it is warm and sunny, but we are encouraging everyone not to take risks.
“Even if the water looks inviting from the surface, it is still cold enough to induce cold water shock, not to mention the dangers lurking beneath that you cannot see from the surface.
“Chester-le-Street Police will be in the Riverside Park on Monday between 1pm and 3pm to provide water safety advice, along with crime prevention advice and cycle marking.”
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