This is the tragic schoolboy who drowned in the River Medway after a rope swing fall.

Alex Chappell was officially named by police on Tuesday, after a family member formally identified his body.

Officers confirmed he was aged 12, not 11 as previously stated.

Alex died in the River Medway in Maidstone on Bank Holiday Monday after playing with friends on a rope swing over the water.

He fell in at a park near The Stampers in Tovil at 2.30pm.

A man dived in to try and save the schoolboy, but couldn't find him in the deep water.

Emergency services were called to search the water, including police officers and two water safety unit boat teams from Kent Fire and Rescue Service.

The Kent and Essex Police Helicopter also provided support to officers on the ground.

The Environment Agency attended to provide a cordon in the water to prevent non-rescue boats from entering the area.

The boy’s body was pulled from the water by Kent Fire and Rescue Service at 4.15pm, but sadly paramedics were unable to revive him.

He was taken to Maidstone General Hospital by land ambulance but Alex was confirmed dead at 5.28pm.

The circumstances surrounding his death have been confirmed as non-suspicious.

The family have been informed and the coroner has been notified.

Tributes have been placed at the scene (see picture right).

Did you know Alex? Add your tribute in the comment box below.