Eight-Year-Old Boy Dies After Drowning

Joshua Hillstead, an eight-year-old boy from Maypole, Birmingham, tragically died after falling into the River Arrow in Alcester on July 22. Emergency services retrieved him from the water around 9:30 PM, providing first aid and CPR at the scene before he was transported to Birmingham Children's Hospital. Despite receiving treatment, he succumbed to complications from drowning the following evening. A second child was also in the water but was unharmed and sent home. Warwickshire Police have expressed condolences and are advising the public to exercise caution near waterways due to their unpredictable dangers. Detective Inspector Heidi Twynham emphasized the risks posed by fast currents and hidden depths, particularly for children and non-confident swimmers.