Barford boat children are recovering

Six-year-old Florence Mynott remains in hospital but is said to be out of danger, while Archie, seven, is now with his mother Emma after being discharged.

The two children had been in the boat that capsized on the River Avon on Saturday afternoon, which resulted in the tragedy of their father Julian Mynott, 42, and three-year-old brother Freddie losing their lives.

Mrs Mynott, who was not in the boat at the time, has asked for privacy at this time in order for the family to come to terms with what has happened.

A huge rescue operation took place on Saturday, involving the police, fire and ambulance services and specialist water rescue teams from Severn Area Rescue and the Hazardous Ambulance Rescue Team.

Inspector Adrian Davis from Warwickshire Police, in praise of the people of Barford, said: “The level of support and offers of assistance from the local community on Saturday was unparalleled. Members of the community came forward with offers of equipment to assist in the rescue and recovery operation, others provided hot drinks and food, and others provided facilities for the emergency crews to use.

“It cannot be under estimated how an incident of this sort can affect everyone involved. Many members of the emergency services who were in attendance have been deeply affected by the events of Saturday night, and the close-knit community of Barford is sharing in the terrible loss is now having to come terms with what has happened.

“Warwickshire Police and our partner agencies will be continuing to work with the people of Barford to help them to cope with the impact this terrible incident will have on individuals and with the closely knit community as a whole.”

See Friday’s Courier for a full report on the tragedy,