Boy, 11, missing in River Don named as family told he 'could not have survived'

Boy, 11, missing in River Don named as family told he 'could not have survived' Police have told the family of 11-year-old Mackenzie Swift, who has been missing since entering the River Don on Saturday, that the youngster 'could not have survived' in the water for this length of time An 11-year-old boy who went missing after entering the River Don in Doncaster has been named, with police saying they had a "heartbreaking conversation" with his family that he "could not have survived" in the water for this length of time. Officers from South Yorkshire Police began searching for Mackenzie Swift just after 8pm on Saturday following reports that he had entered the river near Ferry Boat Lane in Mexborough. Police worked with South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Woodhead Mountain Rescue Team and an underwater search team as efforts to locate Mackenzie continued on Monday, Yorkshire Live reports. The force said on Monday afternoon: "While we are doing everything we can to find him, our Family Liaison Officers have sadly had the heartbreaking conversation with Mackenzie's family that if he had not exited the river on Saturday, he could not have survived in the water for this length of time. "Sadly none of our enquiries so far have found any indication that he got out of the water. His family are in all of our thoughts and prayers, and are being supported and kept updated on the progress of the search operation." Doncaster District Commander, Chief Superintendent Pete Thorp, said: "We will continue to do everything in our power to find Mackenzie and to support his family through this incredibly difficult time. They truly are living every parent's worst nightmare. "We are utilising a range of specialist resources and organisations from across the region. Officers will remain at the search site tonight and further operational activity will resume at first light tomorrow (Tuesday) morning. "I understand members of the public are desperate to help, but I must ask that you leave this work to the professional search teams. Please do not put yourselves or others in danger by searching in and around water, and if asked to leave by officers, please understand this is for your own safety and to ensure our efforts focus solely on finding Mackenzie. "The thoughts of all those involved in the extensive search operation remain with Mackenzie and his family."