A 12-year-old boy who died after he fell in the River Medway but was unable to swim has been identified by police.

Alex Chappell was playing with friends on a rope swing over the river at a park in Tovil, near Maidstone, when he fell in the water, Kent Police said.

Officers said he was unable to swim and got into difficulties. A passer-by dived in to help but was unable to find him in the deep water, police added.

Police have confirmed the circumstances of the death as non-suspicious.

A post-mortem examination will be carried out in the next few days.

The head teacher of Astor of Hever School in Maidstone paid tribute to the schoolboy.

Vanessa Everett said: "We are all deeply saddened at the news of Alex's death. He was a very popular and lively boy who will be greatly missed by all his friends and teachers.

"Our thoughts and prayers are very much with his parents and family."

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