Police are appealing for information after a teenager was found dead alongside his motorbike in a west canal. Emergency services raced to the scene at the Grand Union Canal in Southall, Ealing, on bank holiday Monday following reports of a man in the water.
A 19-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene, and he has since been named by the as Thomas Agathangelou. His family has been informed of the tragedy, while detectives from the force's serious collision unit have been drafted in to investigate his death.
Police are investigating the possibility that Thomas entered the water the previous day on Sunday, May 25. Since the tragic event last week, heartbreaking tributes have been posted on social media, while pictures posted to Facebook show floral tributes laid at the scene of his death.
A has also been set up to help the family with funeral costs. It has so far raised £2,627 from 105 separate donors.
Thomas' devastated mother Anna penned a heartfelt tribute, writing: "Thomas, you will remain forever young, this hurts so, so bad."
One local woman said: "Thomas was a good lad, and has been taken far too soon."
Another friend wrote on GoFundMe: "You were loved so much more than you knew, rest in peace Thomas. We will all miss you so much."
A spokesperson for the local division of the Met Police in the borough of Ealing, west London, wrote on Facebook: "Police are continuing to investigate the death of a man in Ealing. Officers were called to the canal on Endsleigh Road, Southall at around 11.25am on Monday, 26 May following concerns around a man in the canal.
"Thomas Agathangelou, 19 was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. His family continue to be supported by specialist officers. Thomas was located alongside his motorbike, and we are appealing for witnesses who may have seen or heard anything on Sunday 25 May which may assist the enquiries. Met Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit are continuing enquiries and appealing for the public's help."
Anyone who witnessed anything or may have any information is asked to contact police referencing CAD 2654/26MAY25. The witness line number is 02085435157.
