Tributes to 'much-loved' boy who drowned at dock

A 14-year-old boy who drowned after entering the water at a dock in east London was a "much-loved" youngster and a "true leader", his football club has said.

Banta Sillah entered the water at Millwall Outer Dock, near East Ferry Road, on Monday. Emergency services, including the London Fire Brigade (LFB) and the Metropolitan Police, launched a search after being alerted at about 18:50 BST.

His body was recovered at about 22:30 and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a statement posted on social media, Frontline Community CIC said: "It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Banta Sillah."

"Banta was far more than just a Frontline player," the statement added.

"He was a true leader, our captain, a role model and a much-loved member of the Frontline family and the wider community."

Frontline, a community interest company that offers youth services in Tower Hamlets, said Banta was part of the "foundation" of the organisation's decision to launch a football team.

Banta's leadership "came naturally", Frontline said, and offered teammates "encouragement, motivation and support".

The organisation said he was working to become a coach with the under-12s in the summer league and made a "lasting impression through his bubbly character, enthusiasm and care".

One boy who knew Banta through football told BBC London that his death felt "close to home".

"It's really sad for his family," he said.

"They don't get to have their child, their son, that one member of their family that they could have been relying on, or they could have had big dreams or hopes for."

In a post on social media on Tuesday, Mayor of Tower Hamlets Lutfur Rahman said Banta was "a talented young footballer who played for Frontline Community FC and was instrumental in helping the team win the Tower Hamlets Cup last week".

The mayor said Banta "had immense potential and was dearly loved by his peers".

Rahman added: "As we mourn Banta, I urge families to speak with children and young people, we should all be aware of the dangers of swimming in open water.

"Swimming should only take place in officially designated areas with lifeguards present."

The Met Police has not yet confirmed the identity of the boy.

Since 2020 there have been more than 100 accidental drownings across the capital, according to LFB figures.

Frontline said the Sillah family had requested privacy.

They added: "Banta's legacy will live on through every player he encouraged, every teammate he shared the pitch with and every young person whose life he touched."

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