BRITISH Waterways has issued a statement following the death of a boy at Stourport Canal Basins this afternoon.

He fell 20 feet into the canal and the lock had to be drained of water to allow emergency services to find and retrieve him.

He was airlifted to Birmingham Children’s Hospital and pronounced dead at about 1.45pm.

A statement released by Fran Read British Waterways' National Press Officer said: "British Waterways is deeply distressed to learn of the tragic incident at Stourport Basin, Worcestershire, today.

"Our thoughts and condolences are with the family at this time. We are obviously offering every help and assistance that we can to the police in their investigations."